On 26 March 2015, Norway was the third government after Switzerland and the European Union to officially submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC. Like the EU, Norway announced an emission reduction target at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. The target is economy-wide and covers 100% of national GHG emissions.

Being among the first Parties to submit an INDC, Norway demonstrated initiative and responsibility in the process towards a new international climate agreement in 2015. With regard to substance, two particular aspects in Norway’s INDC deserve emphasis: firstly, Norway advances an innovative and progressive approach towards accounting for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF). In the absence of a common framework at the European or international level, Norway unilaterally adopts the position that a future methodology for LULUCF accounting shall not affect its ambition level for 2030. Secondly, Norway intends to co-operate with the EU on a collective delivery of the targets. This is a clear political signal towards a closer collaboration with the EU in order to improve climate policy efficiency and raise efforts and ambition at a larger scale.

Norway’s proactive approach in the preparation and submission of its INDC makes it an important role model that might encourage other countries to follow suit.