People vs. Arctic Oil
What do the Oil industry, the Barents Sea, the Norwegian State, §112 and carbon emissions have in common?
Short answer: they are all important parts of an important lawsuit.
Let us take you on a journey, diving into the lawsuit and it's importance, providing you with the longer answer.
Licencing of oil fields in the Barents Sea.
The carbon footprint of an verage Norwegian person...
....also the carbon footprint of an average Norwegian person!
iNFORMATION ABOUT THE LAWSUIT
THE LAWSUIT
In 2016 Nature and Youth (Natur og Ungdom) filed a lawsuit against the Norwegian Government for violating §112 in the Norwegian Constitution.
After going through court in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 the lawsuit is now being taken to The European Court of Human Rights for another evaluation.
Other parties such as Greenpeace Norway, Norwegian Association for the Conservation of Nature and "Besteforeldrenes klimaaksjon"/"Grandparents climate campain" is now backing the lawsuit.
Click the button below to read more about this lawsuit.
§112
§112 in the Norwegian Constitution and article 112 in the EEA agreement states that:
Every person has the right to a healthy environment. Natural resources should be managed so that future generations are not negatively affected.
The authorities shall take measures for the implementation of these principles.
This is the paragraph that the lawsuit is centered around.
Timeline
Important years and events in the process leading up to the climate lawsuit. Hover over the years to see more.
1969
Norway discovers oil.
1970
Demonstrations againts the oil industry starts.
Statoil starts as an oil industry linked to the Norwegian government
1972
1972
Licences for drilling
1975
Start of exploration after oil in the Barents Sea.
1992
Paragraph 110b was included in the Norwegian Constitution. Stating that nature and natural resources had to be preserved. This will later become §112
Licences for drilling
2006
Petroleums-
forskriften is
introduced, stating that the oil industy has to account for emissions and climate when applying for licenses.
2016
Norway signs the Paris Agreement.
The Norwegian State gives out several exploration permits.
Greenpeace and Natur og Ungdom sues the Norwegian Government.
2017-2021
NU and Greenpeace lost in Oslo district court, Borgarting appeal court and the supreme court.
2022
The lawsuit is taken to the Supreme Court of Human Rights
The Norwegian regulatory organ ensuring that the Norwegian State follows the human rights states that "All oil exploration violates the Norwegian Constitution".
As previously mentioned, violation of §112 is the base for this lawsuit.
This is the first lawsuit directed directly towards the Norwegian government for not considering preservation of the nature and natural resources for future generations.
The lawsuit is aimed at oil exploration, and to stop oil exploration and production in new fields.
But why the oil industry and why the Barents sea?
Explaining
The Oil Industry
The Oil industry is one of the main industries in Norway, and also one of the main contributors to the Norwegian carbon footprint.
In 2006, the Petroleum Regulations were passed. The oil industry now has to include evaluation and risk assessments concerning climate impact and emissions in their applications for oil drilling. The aim is to reduce emissions, and focus on a more sustainable industry.
This, however, has led to conflicting interests and evaluations. Let us explore them.
The Norwegian Carbon Footprint
Average CO2 emissions per person in Norway, only accounting for emissions in Norway.
The average Norwegian lives a good life. We are one of the richest countries in the world, but also a country with one of the highest consumption per capita.
Depending on which statistics we use, we are not too bad compared to other countries in terms of carbon emissions.
The average Norwegian:
High carbon footprint, bot not too high....right?
Source: NRK, Robbie Andrew at Cicero og Global Carbon Project.
By using other statistics something happens.
The average Norwegian suddenly thrones on the top of the scale of CO2 emissions.
Why?
When including all emissions of greenhouse gasses from the use of gas and oil produced in Norway, the Norwegian carbon footprint increases drastically.
But these emissions also happen abroad ... is it still our responsibility?
Source: NRK, Robbie Andrew at Cicero og Global Carbon Project.
Norway is a country with innovation, resources and technology.
As both a state and as a part of the entire humanity, we have a responsability to act against climate change.
This includes reducing our carbon footprint where it is possible
This is one of the main focus ares of the lawsuit:
Norway's responsibility to contribute to stopping climate change and reduce emissions.
The lawsuit does not aim at stopping existing oil and gas production, as it is value for Norway and Europe.
It aims to stop the exploration for new fields, and also raise awareness around the emissions linked to oil and gas that is exported, so that we can take parts of the responsibility and action needed.
Map over the areas the Norwegian State gave out licenses for in the Barents Sea over time.
Barents sea
Moving back to the lawsuit and the Barents Sea.
Norway is responsible to cut emissions. Reducing emissions is important to reach the goals stated in the Paris Agreement, to ensure a sustainable future.
However, the Norwegian government still hands out new lisences for oil drilling in vulnerable arctic areas such as the Barents Sea.
This is a violation of the Paris Agreement and §112, as it may necatively affect the resources and lives of future generations.
Scroll down to further investigate aspects in the lawsuit regarding effects on ecosystems, people, economies and oil related processes.
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