Air Quality In Norway: Is The Country Pollution-Free?

Despite its reputation as one of Europe's greenest countries, Norway struggles with air pollution, particularly in its capital, Oslo. The country's air pollution levels have been relatively stable over the last decade, but they are similar to those of other Scandinavian countries and lower than in Southern Europe. Norway's air pollution is primarily caused by emissions from wood-burning, road dust, studded tyre use, and vehicle exhaust, with levels spiking during the cold winter months. The country has set targets to reduce transport emissions and transition to electric mobility, and it is cooperating with international efforts to control black carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Norway's air pollution levels are stable, but health risks persist

While Norway enjoys relatively stable air pollution levels, with an AQI of 28 in November 2020, the country is not immune to air quality issues. Its capital, Oslo, achieved the World Health Organization's (WHO) clean air target for ten months in 2019, but air pollution remains a concern, particularly during the cold winter months.

Norway's air pollution is primarily attributed to emissions from wood-burning, road dust, tyre use, and vehicle exhaust, especially in freezing temperatures. Meteorological inversions during winter further hinder dispersal, leading to higher pollution levels. The major pollutants of concern are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These pollutants have been linked to adverse health effects, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

To address air pollution, Norway has set management goals, including legally binding limit values, air quality criteria, and national goals. Despite these efforts, some municipalities have exceeded the minimum requirements for air quality, leading to health risks for their residents. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health estimates that 185 and 115 deaths annually can be attributed to fine fraction PM2.5 and PM10 pollution, respectively.

While Norway's air pollution levels are relatively stable compared to other countries, with 92% of the global population exposed to dangerous levels, the country continues to face the challenge of maintaining and improving its air quality to protect the health of its citizens, especially those in vulnerable groups.

The country's black carbon emissions are a concern

While Norway has made significant strides in reducing air pollution, the country's black carbon emissions remain a pressing concern. Black carbon, also known as soot, is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, primarily from fossil fuel use and biomass burning. Due to Norway's proximity to the Arctic, its black carbon emissions are of particular environmental significance. When deposited on snow and glaciers, black carbon reduces their ability to reflect sunlight, contributing to the accelerated warming of the Arctic region.

Norway has recognised the urgency of mitigating black carbon emissions and has actively participated in international agreements and initiatives aimed at reducing them. For instance, in 2015, Norway endorsed the World Bank's Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative, which seeks to significantly curb black carbon and methane emissions. This endorsement demonstrates Norway's commitment to reducing emissions from the oil and gas industry, a significant contributor to the country's overall emissions footprint.

Despite these efforts, Norway's black carbon emissions continue to pose challenges. The country's extensive hydrocarbon reserves and prominent oil and gas sector contribute substantially to its emissions profile. In 2020, the Norwegian Environment Agency published a report highlighting the short-term and long-term health benefits of reducing black carbon and methane emissions. The report emphasised the effectiveness of measures such as reducing emissions from wood-burning and transport, as well as dietary changes like eating less red meat.

To address these concerns, Norway has implemented a range of policies and initiatives. The government has set ambitious targets, such as achieving fossil-free public transport by 2025 and reducing emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by 50% by 2030. Additionally, Norway has committed to making its UNESCO-protected fjords free from cruise and ferry emissions by 2026. These measures demonstrate Norway's dedication to mitigating black carbon emissions and improving air quality, both domestically and internationally.

Air pollution is more prevalent during winter

Norway is among the European countries with the lowest risk of premature death from local air pollution. The Norwegian government has been actively working to improve air quality in cities and towns. Despite this, air pollution is more prevalent during the cold winter months. This is due to several factors, including higher energy demands, behavioural changes, and meteorological conditions.

During winter, energy demands increase as more electricity and gas are used for heating. This results in higher emissions, contributing to outdoor air pollution. Additionally, people tend to spend more time indoors during winter, sealing their homes to conserve heat. This can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants such as mould, dust, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The use of natural gas, kerosene heaters, and wood-burning stoves can further increase indoor air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Behavioural changes during winter also impact air quality. For example, it is more common for vehicles to idle during cold temperatures, leading to higher cold-start emissions, including greenhouse gases. The effectiveness of exhaust filtration systems decreases in cold temperatures, resulting in up to ten times more harmful vehicular emissions. This is exacerbated by the use of studded tyres, which contribute to road dust.

Meteorological conditions also play a role in the increase of air pollution during winter. Cold, dense air acts as a "cap," trapping pollutants and preventing their dispersal. This is further influenced by meteorological inversions, which can trap and increase pollutant levels. Years with longer and more frequent inversion periods typically experience higher pollution levels.

To mitigate the effects of air pollution during winter, Norway has implemented various measures. The Norwegian Environment Agency has compiled guidelines to reduce emissions from wood-burning stoves, and municipalities have been empowered to introduce queue pricing or increased tolls on days with high air pollution to discourage traffic. Real-time air quality monitoring services provide information on current and upcoming air pollution levels, along with health advice for vulnerable groups.

Efforts to improve air quality

Norway has taken several steps to improve its air quality and address the issue of air pollution, which is more prevalent during the cold winter months. Here are some key efforts:

Legislation and Policy Measures

Norway passed the Climate Act in 2017, aiming to transition to a low-emission society by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. The country has also implemented the tax and refund scheme for HFCs and a tax system encouraging the use of climate-friendly alternatives. Additionally, the government has set national targets for various outdoor air pollutants and established minimum requirements for outdoor air quality to protect human health.

International Collaboration

Norway actively participates in international efforts to improve air quality and address climate change. It is a member of the Arctic Council, which has set targets to reduce black carbon emissions significantly below 2013 levels by 2025. Norway also chairs the Arctic Contaminant Action Programme (ACAP) and supports projects in developing countries through its donations to the CCAC Trust Fund.

Municipal Initiatives

Norwegian municipalities have taken initiatives to improve local air quality. They have introduced queue pricing and increased tolls on days with high air pollution to discourage traffic. Municipalities can now set environmental requirements for taxis and differential toll rates based on vehicle pollution levels. Additionally, public grants have helped replace older wood-burning stoves with modern, clean-burning ones in several municipalities.

Awareness and Health Considerations

Norway launched the "Better Health, Better Lives" strategy in 2019, highlighting air pollution's impact on health and promoting pollution-free cooking. The country also provides health advice to its population, especially vulnerable groups, to help them adapt their activities based on air pollution levels.

Technological Advancements

Norway has invested in technological advancements to improve air quality. For example, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and CICERO (Centre for International Climate Research) are participating in projects to control emissions and improve air quality.

Air pollution levels in Oslo

Air pollution in Oslo has decreased over the past 50 years, but more effort is required to meet the national targets for various pollutants in outdoor air. The main sources of air pollution in Oslo are road traffic and domestic heating. The City Government's policy is to set higher standards for air quality in Oslo, in line with the Norwegian health authorities' recommendations.

Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the major substances that contribute to local air pollution in Norwegian cities and towns. Particulate matter is made up of small airborne particles that can be differentiated into two size fractions: PM10, which includes particles smaller than 10 µm, and PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 µm. The main sources of PM2.5 are derived from combustion, such as domestic heating and exhaust from vehicles, while PM10 comes from the wear and tear of pavement, tyres, and brake pads. Construction sites may also contribute to particulate emissions locally.

Both short-term and long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter may cause adverse health effects, especially for children, the elderly, and people with existing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown a causal relationship between long-term exposure to air pollutants and the development of respiratory illnesses. To address this issue, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Environment Agency have defined health-based air quality criteria that are stricter than the limit values in the regulations.

In 2016, the limit values for particulate matter were lowered, and areas with heavy traffic in Oslo risk failing to meet these new limits unless additional measures are implemented. Exceedances of the daily limit value are often associated with the use of studded tyres and wood burning during dry and cold winter periods. The City of Oslo has committed significant resources to finding and implementing measures to ensure compliance with the limit values, including fees for studded tyres, environmental speed limits, and road dust prevention measures.

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