The principal aim of the OECD Environmental Performance Review programme is to help member and selected partner countries improve their individual and collective performance in environmental management by:

Signs

The fourth Environmental Performance Review of Norway provides an independent, evidence-based evaluation of the country’s environmental performance over the past decade. Drawing on a broad range of expertise and analysis of cross-country economic and environmental data, it provides 30 country-tailored recommendations to help Norway further improve its environmental performance in line with its national and international commitments.

The Assessment and recommendations present the main findings of the OECD Environmental Performance Review of Norway. They identify 30 country-tailored recommendations to help Norway make further progress towards its environmental objectives and international commitments. The OECD Working Party on Environmental Performance discussed and approved the Assessment and recommendations at its meeting on 16 February 2022.

This chapter provides an overview of economic and social development, and major policy developments in the environmental sectors, including climate, air, freshwater, waste and materials (biodiversity is covered in Chapter 2). Drawing on indicators from national and international sources, the chapter tracks progress towards achieving national goals and international commitments and targets, and looks at the environmental governance and management system. It also assesses the environmental effectiveness and economic efficiency of the environmental policy mix, including fiscal and economic instruments, regulatory and voluntary instruments, and investment in environment-related infrastructure. The chapter concludes with a reflection on opportunities for fostering a just and equitable transition to a green, low-carbon society.

This chapter discusses the status and trends for land use and biodiversity management in Norway. It assesses related policies and processes and provides recommendations. Norway’s ecosystems are rich and diverse but under threat. The chapter examines how the situation has evolved over the past decade. It points out many worrying trends are likely to continue unless development pressures are addressed and the protected areas network completed. It highlights the need to integrate specific, measurable and time-bound objectives for species, habitat and landscape protection into local planning, including through improved information systems. Finally, the chapter suggests local capacity needs to be strengthened and cross-sector co‑ordination improved to achieve national objectives for conservation and sustainable use of land.