Although this week’s climate summit in Bangkok has been without any major commitments from the major developed nations, Norway made news today by announcing it would cut its greenhouse gas emissions 40% by the year 2020. This figure is based on 1990 emission levels, but signifies a major step forward.

Canada, one of the biggest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases, as well as being one of the biggest oil exporters to the United States, has shown reticence in making any hard goals, claiming “Northern regions” -Canada, Sweden, Norway, Finland- “are in a much tougher spot when it comes to GHG reductions,” according to the huffingtonpost. But today’s promise from Norway may nudge Canada in the right direction.

This week’s summit in Bangkok can be thought of as a precursor to the higher level talks to be held in the coming months in Barcelona and Denmark. Many believe that meetings in these two cities represent the last real chance at achieving a global target and consensus on emissions reductions. That being said, Norway has certainly taken a step in the right direction.

[image via US National Archives]