Norway and Climate Change
Climate change is set to reshape our world, and Norway is not exempt from its impacts. Yet the country, and particularly the Oslo Fjord region, stands out due to its distinct relative advantages compared to other regions.
The Nordic summer, immortalized in the films of Ingmar Bergman and the writings of Tove Jansson, extends from late May to early September. It is luminous and, contrary to popular belief, relatively warm. During the Midsummer celebrations on June 23rd, the sun sets around 11:00 PM and rises just five hours later, around 4:00 AM. Norwegian summer days often enjoy temperatures in the pleasant high seventies and low eighties Fahrenheit (mid to high twenties Celsius), while nights provide a comfortable contrast with lows below 70°F (20°C).
Climate change is set to alter Norway's climate, albeit mostly for the better in the Oslo Fjord area. By the end of the century, experts anticipate the country will be 4.7°F (2.6°C) warmer, resulting in more comfortable summers and less biting winters. The meteorological summer, defined as days with an average temperature exceeding 10°C, will extend by an additional month. Increased warmth will bring more rainfall, yet the Oslo Fjord region remains drier than the average Norwegian municipality. The anticipated global sea-level rise has minimal impact on the area, as the landmasses in Southern Norway continue to rise relative to sea levels following the last ice age.
Just as crucial as the physical changes is Norway's adaptability. The country has topped The Economist's Democracy Index for 13 successive years, partly attributed to high scores in 'functioning government. The country's robust political and social institutions enjoy strong public support and high levels of trust. And experts argue that few attributes are more crucial in facing climate change.
This backdrop contributes to Norway's high scores in climate resilience indices. The country has made dedicated efforts, particularly within the energy sector since the 2000s, to bolster climate adaptation. Collaborative efforts with municipalities and cities have further enhanced the efforts. A major stride was the establishment of the NorAdapt research center in 2019, aimed at advancing climate adaptation across Norwegian society.
Norway also pursues an ambitious and effective climate policy. The nation is primarily powered by renewable energy, supported by significant carbon taxes across sectors and generous incentives for electric vehicles.
Annually, the University of Notre Dame releases the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), one of the most respected assessments of countries vulnerability to climate change combined with their preparedness to enhance resilience. Norway currently comes out as the world’s number one.