Oslo is aiming for a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, under a new climate strategy which seeks to make climate-friendly choices on a daily basis easier.

The climate strategy, adopted by Oslo City Council, includes a target to reduce traffic and to make walking, cycling and public transport simple. All public transport – including buses and ferries – shall have zero emissions by 2028.

By 2030, all traffic in Oslo shall have zero greenhouse gas emissions. This implies that all vehicles shall have zero emissions – or run on biogas or other sustainable biofuels. Biogas and other sustainable biofuels are particularly relevant for heavy vehicles, where there are currently few zero-emissions systems.

In Oslo, a quarter of direct emissions are generated by private vehicles and close to one fourth by vans, lorries and buses. The remaining share is mainly from building and construction and from waste incineration at the two incineration plants in Oslo. 

Last year, work started in Oslo on the Olav Vs gate and Klingenberggata project, which has been hailed as “the world’s first zero-emissions development site” for its use of zero-emissions machinery including electric excavators and wheel loaders. Oslo City Council has committed to ensuring that all buildings and streets be built in a similar way by 2030.

The new climate strategy also states that more green roofs, trees in the streets and surface water management will help the city of Oslo to become more climate resilient. In addition, the buildings themselves will be constructed so that they last longer and have materials with a low carbon footprint, according to Oslo City Council.

In the forests and moors surrounding the city, Oslo’s natural environment will be managed in such a way that natural carbon storage in vegetation and soil are protected and the greenhouse gas removal in forests and other vegetation increase by 2030.

In the new climate strategy, Oslo City Council also confirmed that the city will have a circular waste and wastewater
management system based on reuse, material recycling and energy recovery that does not produce greenhouse
gas emissions.

A number of climate pilots will also visit schools throughout Oslo to teach young children about sustainable development and how to protect themselves and nature.

Oslo is also collaborating with other cities worldwide to identify solutions. 

Image Source: KlimaOslo/Andres Reite/Oda Hveem

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyles including sustainable and green living. She also offers content services to businesses and individuals at Rosamedea.com