Christina Bu is one of the World's 100 Climate Leaders

Christina Bu is one of the World’s 100 Climate Leaders

TIME Magazine has included Christina Bu, General Secretary of the Norwegian EV Association, on its exclusive list of the 100 most influential climate leaders in the world for 2024. Christina Bu is the only Norwegian ever recognized on this list by TIME. The selection of Christina Bu is an acknowledgment of her work in positioning Norway as a global leader in electrification of transport.

“It’s overwhelming to be included on this list, but above all, it’s an enormous inspiration and support for the climate work we’re doing in Norway,” says Christina Bu.

Norway has worked actively to electrify its transportation sector, and the Norwegian EV Association has been a central contributor to the solutions that made this possible. Little Norway in the far north is inspiring the entire world.

A Decade as a Leader

Christina Bu has head of the Norwegian EV Association for ten years, establishing a solid national and international reputation as a driving force for electrification of road transport. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from 10,000 members in 2014 to 120,000 today and has become a nationwide association with 13 local chapters across the country and an administration of over 50 employees.

“It’s all those who chose electric vehicles over fossil-fuel cars who have made Norway a leader in electric vehicles. For them, it has also been important to have a consumer organization supporting them.”

In 2014, electric vehicles accounted for 13 percent of new car sales. Today, the market share is 89 percent. If everything continues to progress, we will reach 100 percent by 2025.

“I think Parliament was bold when they set the 2025 goal back in 2017. Next year, Norway can proudly say it has achieved an important climate goal,” says Bu.

The 2025 goal has garnered significant attention in international media, and the Norwegian ambition has also resonated with TIME’s jury.

An International Advocate

In addition to being a consumer organization that ensures its 120,000 members have easier access to charging and essential rights, the Norwegian EV Association is now focused on using Norway’s experience to help other countries reduce emissions from road transport.

“Little Norway plays an important role as a world leader in electric vehicles, and we at the association spend a lot of time sharing Norway’s recipe for success. The Nordic EV Summit in April 2025 will be a valuable opportunity to share our insights and experiences with the rest of the world, helping other countries accelerate their transition to sustainable transport,” says Christina Bu.

Read the reasoning from TIME here