Norway and the Environment: Binge and Purge

Along with its Northern European siblings, Norway has long been viewed as a leader in sustainability, a reputation earned by prodigious domestic efforts to become carbon neutral by 2030. The nation is well on its way: gas taxes are high, public transportation is booming, and 99 percent of Norwegian electricity is generated by hydroelectric plants. On the world stage, Norway is a strong voice in the growing chorus against climate change. And yet the country thrives on fossil fuels, as the world’s third biggest exporter of gas and fourth biggest exporter of oil. Paradoxically, the wealth from these dirty fuels supports advances in clean energy and technology. High taxes on the fuel industry promote efficiency. But Norway is a small country, and no matter how much environmental discipline it exercises at home, those efforts will never offset the emissions from its hydrocarbon exports. Mixed messages about wealth and sustainability are reflected in Norway's politics, and the nation may soon have to reconcile the face in the mirror with the face it presents to the world. – YaleGlobal