Climate change impacts in Norway

Climate change impacts in Norway - what the IPCC 4th Assessment Report has found:
  • In several northern hemiphere mountain systems, treelines have markedly shifted to higher elevations during the 20th century such as in the Scandes [1.3.5.2].
  • Species ranges of alpine plants also have extended to higher altitudes in the Norwegian Scandes [1.3.5.2].
  • Central Norway: Thermophilic (warmth-requiring) plant species have become significantly more frequent compared with 30 years ago. In contrast, there has been a small decline in the presence of traditionally cold-tolerant species [1.3.5.2].
The Barents Sea provides unique Arctic habitats for many species, including polar bears. / ©: WWF-Canon / Wim VAN PASSEL
The Barents Sea provides unique Arctic habitats for many species, including polar bears.
© WWF-Canon / Wim VAN PASSEL

WWF work

What WWF is doing on the ground in Norway to protect against climate change:

Key contacts

  • Miriam Geitz

    Senior Project Officer

    WWF Arctic Programme,
    Oslo

    +47 22 20 09 34

  • Arild Skedsmo

    Head of Climate & Energy Programme

    WWF Norway,
    Oslo

    +47 99 46 35 31

Climate Witnesses

WWF runs the Climate Witness programme to collect people's local observations of climate change that are then verified by scientists.
Olav Mathis Eira lives in northern Norway and has been a reindeer herder his whole life. He is worried about changes in the climate that he has witnessed over the last 20 years. Winter rains have increased, which then freeze and form a shield of ice over the vegetation. As a result it is harder for his reindeer to find food.
Olav Mathis Eira, WWF Climate Witness, Norway

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