Norway, a signatory of the Paris Agreement, is making headlines around the world for living up to its climate goals and ambitions. Recently, the country has earned its reputation as the greenest country in Europe. 

The title was not easily given. Hemsol, a Swedish renewable energy company conducted an extensive study, taking into account various parameters such as renewable energy use, recycling rates, public transportation, forests, farmland, and carbon emissions. Based on these factors, Norway outdid every other country in Europe. 

In terms of climate action plans, Norway’s got some hefty goals. They aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030, and even earlier if other countries cut emissions. The country is betting big on renewable sources of energy such as solar and hydropower. The government is putting in serious money – three billion Norwegian Krone each year – to help save tropical forests worldwide. New laws were introduced that mandated large buildings over 500 square meters to use renewable energy. Green spaces and bike lanes are all over Norwegian cities. And traffic? Not really a big issue. 

Oslo, the cool capital of Norway, is quite literally an eco-paradise. They have progressive green public policies, electric buses, and a growing scene of restaurants that focus on sustainable agriculture. In 2021, major parts of the city went car-free, especially around schools and parks. The state recorded zero automobile related deaths in 2019. The government will also be placing a ban on selling cars with combustion engines starting from 2025. Zero sales taxes or VAT on electric vehicles, reduced road taxes, and other major incentives has made electric cars a hit. 

And guess what? It’s working. Commercial business reported a spike in growth after the country banned cars from most of its central neighborhoods. The Norwegian government has also urged citizens to heat their homes with biomass. That means burning stuff like small trees and wood residue instead of fossil fuels. It’s a move to make the country even greener.

There is a misconception that progress and profit can only be made through the creation of massive skyscrapers and mass tourism to the detriment of the local environment. Norway is proving otherwise.

Take Tromsø for instance. One of the northernmost cities, it does not sacrifice its culture and heritage in lieu of development. In summer, you get the Midnight Sun, and in winter, there’s a chance to see the Northern Lights. The city’s population has boomed since Tromsø University opened in 1972. With a quarter of its 80,000 people being students and teachers, plus tourists wanting to see the lights, Tromsø is a growing city. This Arctic wonderland has a deep history, dating back to the Ice Age and Viking times. The indigenous Sami people have also made their mark here. 

Norway’s journey to being the greenest country is a big deal, and shows that the climate goals are possible. From strict rules about renewable energy to sustainable ideas about urban living and a commitment to saving the planet, Norway is leading the way.

Featured image by Roland Juhász on Pexels.