Norwegian Commission on Low Emissions

- 19. september 2005, 10:57

The Commission’s mandate

BI Professor Jørgen Randers, Chair of the Norwegian Commission on Low Emissions. (Photo: Petter Haugneland)

The main task of the Commission is to describe how Norway can significantly cut its emissions of greenhouse gases in the long term – a “national climate vision for 2050.” The Commission will construct various scenarios for how a “low-emissions society” can be developed over the next 50 years. Among other things, the Commission will consider scenarios where the national emissions of greenhouse gases are reduced by 50-80 percent by 2050.

The Commission’s main focus will be on the opportunities that are available to develop and utilize new technology. This includes looking at what measures will be required to fully develop the potential of technological innovations. Identified development trends must be evaluated on the basis to what extent they offer opportunities to create a “low-emissions society.” The emissions-reduction potential of all relevant sectors must be considered.

In addition, the Commission should, as much as possible, evaluate the costs and other consequences associated with the various scenarios – also in a macroeconomic perspective – and compare the costs of emissions reductions at a national level with comparable reductions in other countries.

In its work, the Commission must engage in broad contact and dialog with civil society. Relevant expert communities must be actively included in the process. This can take place through debates, public hearings, and invitations to give input through Internet-based consultations. The end-product of the Commission’s work will be an official government report (NOU). The Commission is given a time frame of 18 months.