Natural resources and the environment 2001

Is the environment improving?

Although emissions of pollutants have been reduced, the state of the environment is still causing concern. This is the main conclusion of this years edition of Natural Resources and the Environment from Statistics Norway.

Adverse impacts on the natural environment are also a threat to humanity. A number of measures have therefore been implemented to reduce pollution and unsustainable utilization of natural resources. The question is, however, whether these measures are sufficient to reverse the present trend. Statistics Norway is tracking developments by means of a number of environmental indicators and our findings have been published in the book Natural Resources and the Environment 2001.

Considerable effort has been made to reduce pollution from manufacturing industries, agriculture, households and traffic. Statistics show that emissions of many substances have been greatly reduced, even though there are some exceptions. However, the environment is still under threat in many areas, and it is hoped that reductions in emissions will bring some improvement.