Geraldine on the virtually car-free streets of Oslo Oslo is close to becoming the world’s first zero-emission capital, so what lessons can Ireland learn from the Norwegians, asks Geraldine Herbert Arild Hermstad, the Transport Mayor of Oslo, Europe’s Green Capital is a man who believes that Oslo can make a real difference internationally. He has just presented Oslo’s climate strategy that aims to reduce emissions by 36% in 2020 and 95% by 2030. Oslo is close to being fossil-fuel free already and 97% of electricity generated in the country comes from renewable sources. “What happens in Oslo can happen elsewhere, we need to think globally and act locally,” says Hermstad. Car-Free Streets Oslo’s streets are virtually car free and filled with bikes, walkways and parklands. Beyond the backdrop of mountains, fjords and stunning lakes, it is a city that strives to protect its natural heritage, improve living and economic conditions. It is little wonder that it is Europe’s Green Capital for 2019, the highest recognition the European Commission awards in the field of sustainable city development. To date, 11 cities have been awarded the title of European Green Capital since its inception in 2010. Arild Hermstad is justifiably proud of what has been achieved, their ambitious environmental and climate policy is beginning to produce results – 90% of the buses in the city are low emission and three island ferries are going electric this year. Electric Cars Norway is the world leader in electric cars and Oslo is the ‘Electric Vehicle Capital of the World’. In 2016, 30% of all vehicles sold in Oslo were electric, today that figure exceeds 70%. Cars in Norway are heavily taxed, so by exempting electric cars from tax, the green option became the cheaper one. Electric car owners do not pay ferry fees, can park for free, drive in some bus lanes and, until recently, were exempt from tolls. Geraldine on board Oslo’s first all electric bus. It has a range of 115 kms and recharges after 25km for just 7 mins But Oslo is looking beyond the car after generations of city centre gridlock. Since 2016, over 700 car parking spaces have been removed and hundreds more converted into bicycle parking stands. “The quickest way to cut emissions is to reduce cars,” advises Hermstad “transport is the biggest contributor to emissions in...