Air pollution - Drivers and pressures (Norway)

Road traffic is the dominant local source of air pollution in Norway, especially due to the widespread use of studded tires during the winter months. A car with studded tyres produces up to 100 times more particulate matter than a car with regular tyres.

Wood-burning also makes a substantial contribution to the concentration levels of particulate matter in the winter months. On cold days in areas where there are large numbers of wood-burning stoves, this can be the dominant source of particulate matter.

• Read more about Norway's goals and indicators on local air quality

Other important sources are industrial emissions and long-range transport of pollution from other European countries. As shown in the three figures below, long- range transboundary pollution is still a major pressure in the Norwegian environment as the domestic emissions only contributes to a smaller part of the deposition.

The Norwegian emissions of NMVOC and acidifying substances are on the decline, and emissions of NMVOC, SO2 and NH3 are now on target according to the UN Convention of Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution.

• Read more about Norway's goals and indicators on long-range air pollution