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Less greenhouse gas emissions in 2011

Photo: Thomas Nilsen

A new report indicates Norway is emitting less greenhouse gases compared to previous years.

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Warmer weather and less oil and gas extraction mean Norway’s greenhouse gas emissions went down 2.3 per cent in 2011, according to a joint report by the Climate and Pollution Agency and Statistics Norway.

Emissions from Norway for 2011 totaled 52.7 million tons,and that is 1.2 million tons less than 2010.

Every month except February was warmer than average in Norway during 2011, so less energy was used for heating. In addition, lower electricity prices encouraged manufacturing industries to use more electricity rather than oil for heating, helping to reduce emissions.

Oil and gas production also dropped 5 per cent from 2010 to 2011, reducing emissions by 2.6 per cent, or 13.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents.

The news of fewer emissions during 2011 comes after a report last year of a large increase in greenhouse gases for 2010. Electricity prices were higher and there was a large increase in emissions from metal production during 2010.

The entire report detailing 2011 emissions can be found here.