Today we are focusing on Norway. Norway has ample energy resources that are
driving its oil and gas exports. It may
seem odd since they deal with oil and gas, but Norway is also a leader in its
fish and forestry sustainability as well.
The government has taken many steps to ensure that the fish and forestry
industries will continue to produce for years to come.
In a paper found online here: https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/upload/fin/berekraftig/nat_action.pdf the authors layout the plan on how the Norwegian government is going to do
this. Page 33 section 1.5.4 describes
the main objectives of the government in relations to natural resources. There are specific sections for energy
production and use, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry and agriculture. Each section lists many steps and efforts
specific to each topic.
Norway is also ramping up efforts to reduce the effects of hazardous
substances. Their main objectives in
this area are to limit chemical production and reduce emissions. The government has increased their awareness
of emissions and have created new regulations and restrictions on industries
that are the biggest offenders.
Since Norway has one of the lowest population densities among
OECD members (https://www.oecd.org/env/country-reviews/2450976.pdf)
they have expansive forestry and some of the most varied wildlife in
Europe. This has led to the creation of
a national forest program to help protect this resource (https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/upload/fin/berekraftig/nat_action.pdf
page 35).
Just three days ago, February 22, 2017, Norway was crowned as
the “World’s Best Democracy” (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/trumps-address-to-congress/norway-world-s-best-democracy-we-asked-its-people-why-n720151)
so it shows both that the people care and that the politicians listen. In the article by Alexander Smith and Ben
Adams, they describe that Norway has built an “$880 billion rainy-day piggy
bank” because of their offshore oil strike in the 1960’s.
This money has allowed the government to invest in
alternative fuel research (which seems counterproductive to their financial
well-being) as well as education and healthcare services for their
citizens. This is in attempt to sustain
their current position as well as preserve their natural resources for future
generations to enjoy.
It's great that Norway is working to protect its fish and forestry industries and environmental sustainability. I also think it is great that they spend extra resources to explore alternative fuels. This will help protect the environment and prepare them if there resources run out. -Lorreen McCabe
ReplyDeleteTHis is a great post. I think the US could learn a lot by following the examples that Norway has put forth. Being of Norwegian decent, it makes me proud that the country my ancestors hail from is one of the best countries in the world and is a world leader in democracy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good feeling isn't it Tyler! So many of us have ancestors who immigrated to this country at times that were particularly challenging. It can be easy to assume that the dream that was America was or is the only dream, but there are indeed other countries on the planet that offer good qualities of life. That the US has fallen over the years to 21st place in the Democracy Index should give any of us pause for thought.
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