Though it is a wealthy country with a high standard of living, a sparse population, abundant natural resources, and a public commitment to living sustainably, Norway is facing some tough decisions. Does it continue to expand its oil drilling and mining operations that supply much of its wealth, and risk harming the natural environment, the wildlife and marine populations, and the culture and livelihood of some of its citizens to the north? And what stand should it take on such issues as land and water rights for the indigenous Sami population, aquaculture (fish farming), whaling, and the future of small, rural schools?
Norway has been a global leader in the green movement, with aggressive goals for cutting carbon emissions, a commitment to renewable energy development, and a fishing industry that has been said to be a model for sustainability. It also has a 100 percent literacy rate among its citizens, and a detailed plan for incorporating education for sustainable development into its national curriculum. How are these concepts playing out in everyday life, and what unique issues are faced by those living in the northlands?
Northern Norway sits almost entirely north of the Arctic Circle, with the exception of the southern tip of Nordland. Though there has been a steady decline in population since the mid 1970s in this region, the population has begun to increase slightly over the past few years, with growth concentrated in the urban areas, while the rural areas and schools continue to lose residents. In northern Norway there is found a mix of remote villages and small cities, several distinct cultures and languages, and a number of diverse ecosystems. These factors have led to some unique educational and environmental challenges, along with some creative commitments to sustainability, which are key reasons why Earthducation chose to visit this region.
Some of the pressing issues of sustainability that will be investigated by the Earthducation team during Expedition 2 include oil exploration, alternative energy development, toxic pollutants, sustainable fishing, schooling challenges in small remote communities, and the quest to sustain culture, language, and land and water rights in the indigenous Sami communities.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT NORWAY
- It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, with northern Norway being the most sparsely populated region in Norway.
- Hydropower provides 99% of its electricity.
- It has the largest proven oil reserves in Western Europe.
- It is the fifth largest oil exporter in the world, and the sixth largest producer of natural gas.
- Its fishing industry is often said to be a model for sustainability.
- The northern counties have some unique educational challenges with many small rural schools and a mix of cultures and languages.
- It declared the Sami language to be on equal standing with Norwegian in 1990, and Sami is recognized as an official language in several districts in the north.
- There are many environmental challenges in the north, with several ecosystems within a small area (Arctic, marine, tundra, mountains).
- It is one of only a handful of countries left in the world where whaling is a legal activity.
- The Lofoten Islands have the largest population of sea eagles in the world and are home to some of the largest seabird colonies in Europe, as well as the largest cod stock in the world.
- The island of Røst, at the southern tip of the Lofotens, is home to the largest number of nesting birds in Norway, and the largest deep-water coral reef can be found off its coast.