TIME: Christina Bu one of World’s 100 Climate Leaders
Christina Bu, Secretary General of the Norwegian EV Association, has earned a place on TIME’s prestigious 2024 list of the 100 most influential climate leaders worldwide.
The inclusion of the Norwegian climate leader acknowledges her pivotal role in making Norway a global frontrunner in road transport electrification.
─ Seeing my name appear on this list is overwhelming, but first and foremost a huge inspiration and support to the work we are doing to combat climate change, says Christina Bu.
For many years, Norway has been actively transitioned towards a battery electric transport sector, and the Norwegian EV Association has been one of the key promoters to find solutions making this happen.
Find out why Christina Bu made the 2024 TIME100 Climate here.
Ten years leading the way
Christina Bu has been lead the Norwegian EV Association for ten years, and consolidated her position both in Norway and globally as an advocate for accelerating the EV uptake. In the years of her leadership, the association grew from 10 000 members in 2014 to 120 000 today. Representing EV drivers nationwide, the association has local chapters across Norway and over 50 staff members.
─ It is all those who choose an EV over a fossil-fueled car who are literally driving this change, and thus contributing to Norway’s leadership in electric vehicles. For them, having the support of a consumer organization, has been crucial, states Bu.
In 2014, only 13 percent of the new car buyers chose EVs. Today the battery electric share has increased to 89 percent. Norway is on track to reach 100 percent EV sales by next year.
─ The Norwegian Parliament was brave when they back in 2017 set their target, going for 100 percent electric new car sales by 2025. It looks like Norway can celebrate a key climate milestone next year, states Bu.
The Norwegian 2025 phase out target has been widely reported globally, and the Norwegian fairy tale towards reaching that target has reached the jury in TIME, putting Bu on their list.
Also a global promoter
Besides supporting EV adoption in Norway, the Norwegian, the Norwegian EV Association is increasing their global presence, contributing with experiences to assist more countries to cut emissions from road transportation.
─ Norway plays a key role as global EV leaders, and we in the Norwegian EV Association dedicate much of our time to sharing our recipe for success.
Not done yet
Even though Norway’s EV policies are ahead of the rest of the world, 7 out of 10 personal vehicles in the country are still fossil fueled. The job is not done, according to the secretary general.
– There’s no reason to rest on our laurels. We have a long way ahead of us, and this acknowledgment gives us new energy to continue the increasingly important climate work, says Christina Bu.
