Briefing Note: Norway and Climate Disinformation

When you think of a “petrostate” spreading climate disinformation, Norway probably doesn’t come to mind- but it should. Though Norway is widely recognised for its climate commitments, a new briefing from Klimakultur exposes the state-owned Equinor’s sponsorship school programs and heavy investments in new oil and gas projects, even as the government promotes Norway’s green credentials internationally. 

Norwegian officials often warn about climate disinformation from abroad, but there’s little discussion about how domestic oil interests shape the conversation at home. Norway is seeing record profits from oil and gas and its sovereign wealth fund remains heavily invested in fossil fuels, and there’s no real plan to wind down production. Instead, the government frames ongoing oil and gas activity as necessary for jobs and energy security, while Equinor sponsors propaganda aimed at children with Lego and an “EnergyTown” videogame.

Klimakultur’s briefing calls for a more open debate about the influence of the fossil fuel industry on Norway’s climate policies, and concludes by asking that “If Norway is not willing to change from a petro state to an electro state,” then “how can we expect other countries to lead the way?