Unece's Efforts To Combat Air Pollution In Norway

Norway is actively working to improve its air quality, which is particularly important given its proximity to the Arctic. The country has implemented various measures to reduce air pollution, including partnering with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in 2012, taking over the chairmanship of the Arctic Contaminant Action Programme in 2019, and committing to making its UNESCO-protected fjords free from cruise and ferry emissions by 2026. Norway is also a signatory to the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, which was established in 1979 to address air pollution on a broad regional scale and has since expanded to include additional pollutants such as ground-level ozone and heavy metals. While Norway has made progress in reducing emissions and improving air quality, it continues to face challenges such as high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), especially during the cold winter months.

Reducing transport emissions

Norway's air pollution is more prevalent during the cold winter months due to higher emissions from sources such as wood-burning, road dust from studded tyres, and exhaust emissions from cold engines. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the primary contributors to local air pollution in Norwegian cities and towns.

To address this issue, UNECE has developed a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from inland transport, which includes the following measures to reduce transport emissions:

• Innovative vehicle technologies, advanced engine management systems, and efficient vehicle powertrains.
• The use of sustainable biofuels, including first-generation biofuels like vegetable oil and biodiesel, second-generation biofuels from biomass, and third-generation biodegradable fuels from algae.
• Improved transport infrastructure and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to reduce traffic congestion and encourage intermodal transport (road, rail, and waterways).
• Legal instruments such as tax incentives for low-carbon products and processes, and taxation of CO2-intensive products.
• Fostering the efficient use of energy, optimized driving behaviour, and digitalization through Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
• Accelerating the substitution of fossil-fuelled vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered cars.
• Promoting research and development of carbon-neutral energy technology and fuels, including hydrogen and sustainable biofuels.
• Supporting circular economy practices, such as recycling batteries and extending the lifetime of automotive products through replacement parts and retrofitting.
• Raising awareness among policymakers about the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation through capacity-building workshops and training sessions.

These measures aim to reduce CO2 emissions from transport by at least 50% by 2050 and assist countries in meeting their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Lowering black carbon emissions

Norway has been taking several measures to lower black carbon emissions and mitigate air pollution. The country's proximity to the Arctic makes reducing black carbon emissions crucial, as these emissions accelerate the melting of snow and glaciers, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight.

In 2012, Norway partnered with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to promote action on climate change and clean air, aiming to reduce global warming and air pollution simultaneously. Norway has set ambitious targets for transport emissions, with the goal of having 100% of new passenger cars and light vans be zero-emissions by 2025. The country has also introduced cash incentives for scrapping motorcycles, mopeds, campers, and caravans, encouraging the transition to cleaner alternatives.

Norway has also addressed emissions from shipping and fishing vessels. In 2019, the Norwegian parliament committed to making the country's UNESCO-protected fjords free from cruise and ferry emissions by 2026. Additionally, they announced plans to halve emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by 2030. As chair of the sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response, Norway is working to limit black carbon emissions from international shipping and establish appropriate control measures.

Furthermore, Norway has taken on the chairmanship of the Arctic Contaminant Action Programme (ACAP) to address the impact of local emissions of soot particles and other short-lived climate polluters from petroleum activity, shipping, and industries on the Arctic region. The country is actively involved in CCAC projects in developing countries, providing support through the CCAC Trust Fund.

To meet air quality standards and ensure sustainable urban development, Norway has implemented regulations and incentives. Municipalities have been empowered to introduce queue pricing or increased tolls during periods of high air pollution to discourage traffic and reduce emissions. They can also set environmental requirements for taxis and differential toll rates based on vehicle pollution levels. These measures contribute to Norway's overall efforts to lower black carbon emissions and improve air quality for its residents.

Improving air quality criteria

Norway has been taking several steps to improve its air quality criteria and reduce air pollution. Firstly, the country has partnered with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition since 2012, aiming to reduce global warming and air pollution by cutting down on short-lived climate pollutants like methane and black carbon, as well as long-lived gases like CO2.

In 2019, Norway took over the chairmanship of the Arctic Contaminant Action Programme (ACAP), recognising the impact of local emissions of soot particles and other short-lived climate polluters from petroleum activities, shipping, and industries on the rapid warming and melting of the Arctic. The same year, Norway became chair of the subcommittee on Pollution Prevention and Response, working to limit black carbon emissions from international shipping and measure these emissions to determine control measures.

Norway has also been implementing measures to reduce vehicle emissions, such as introducing cash payments for scrapping motorcycles, mopeds, campers, and caravans, and setting targets for zero-emission passenger cars and light vans. By 2025, the country aims to have 100% zero-emission new passenger cars and light vans. Additionally, Norway has committed to making its UNESCO-protected fjords free from cruise and ferry emissions by 2026 and halving emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by 2030.

To improve air quality criteria, Norway has defined specific goals and regulations. There are legally binding limit values, air quality criteria, and national goals for local air quality. The limit values in the Pollution Control Regulations ensure a minimum standard for air quality. The air quality criteria, set by the National Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Environment Agency, indicate safe levels for the entire population, including vulnerable groups. These criteria focus on protecting against unwanted health effects, and national goals are set to match these criteria for particulate matter.

Furthermore, Norway has been taking action to reduce road traffic and wood burning, which are significant contributors to air pollution. Municipalities have been empowered to introduce queue pricing or increased tolls during high air pollution periods to discourage traffic. They can also set environmental requirements for taxis and differential toll rates based on vehicle pollution levels.

Reducing wood burning

Although I could not find specific information on how UNECE is solving Norway's air pollution problem, I did find some general information on Norway's air pollution problem and solutions.

Wood-burning is a significant contributor to air pollution in Norway, particularly during the cold winter months. To reduce the negative impact of wood-burning on air quality, several measures can be implemented:

• Awareness and Education: It is important to raise awareness about the health risks associated with wood-burning emissions, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and people with lung or cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Educating the public about the dangers of wood-burning can help encourage the adoption of alternative heating methods.
• Alternative Heating Sources: Encouraging the use of alternative heating sources can reduce the reliance on wood-burning. Solar panels, electric or geothermal heat pumps, and natural gas stoves, and heaters are more environmentally friendly options that produce lower particle pollution emissions.
• Efficient Wood-burning Devices: The EPA recommends replacing old wood stoves with newer, more efficient models that produce less pollution. Communities can implement wood stove change-out programs to assist low-income families in accessing cleaner and more efficient heating options.
• Regulations and Policies: Local governments can implement regulations and policies to reduce wood burning, such as setting environmental standards for taxis, introducing queue pricing or increased tolls during high air pollution days, and providing assistance to municipalities to improve air quality for residents.
• Indoor Precautions: On days with high wood-burning pollution, vulnerable individuals should stay indoors with doors and windows shut and use air conditioners or air cleaners to circulate clean air. Ordinary dust masks are ineffective against small, harmful particles, but N-95 masks can provide better protection, although they may be difficult for people with lung diseases to use.

Cutting exhaust emissions

Norway has been taking steps to improve its air quality and reduce air pollution, which is more prevalent during the cold winter months. This includes implementing measures to reduce vehicle emissions, which are a significant contributor to air pollution.

Exhaust emissions are a major source of air pollution, and there are several ways to reduce them. One way is to use a new automobile exhaust system, which can reduce pollution and boost engine power. This system, designed by Ahmet Selamet, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, replaces multiple parts in the standard auto exhaust assembly, including the manifold, muffler, and catalytic converter. The new design has shorter pipes with fewer internal divisions, allowing gases to flow more easily and reducing air pressure within the pipes. This, in turn, boosts engine power and fuel efficiency while also lowering emissions.

Another way to cut exhaust emissions is by adding a cleaning agent to the fuel system. Over time, harmful deposits can build up in a car's engine, reducing its efficiency and increasing emissions. Cleaning agents, or premium fuels that contain active cleaning agents, can help remove these deposits and lower emissions. Using an exhaust and fuel cleaner every three months can also help maintain optimal efficiency.

Additionally, regular maintenance and proper tire care can reduce exhaust emissions. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, leading to decreased performance and increased emissions. Regularly replacing the air filter, especially in dusty environments, can help prevent this. Maintaining proper tire pressure is also important, as underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy and increase fuel consumption and emissions. Choosing tires with low rolling resistance can further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

To reduce emissions on a larger scale, community leaders and policymakers can implement low- or zero-emission zones in cities. This involves barring or fining vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards from entering certain areas. This approach incentivizes drivers to consider alternative travel options, such as public transportation or electric vehicles. Investing in transit-oriented development (TOD) and improving public transportation infrastructure can also help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, lower emissions.

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