Norway is in the middle of a major transition – which makes this country an exciting place to be. How is Norway preparing for an oil-free future? This is a subject of great debate. By studying in the heart of an energy region, you will be on the front line as we are creating a more sustainable future.

FROM RAGS TO RICHES

Before Norway discovered oil and gas in the North Sea in the late sixties, it was a fairly poor country on a European scale. The employment rate was low, inflation and deflation fluctuated, and debt and banking crises ravaged the country. But when Norway struck oil in the North Sea, it became one of the richest countries in Europe. In 1996 the government decided to invest the wealth in an oil fund, which has kept on growing. Since then, the nation has used its fortune to build one of the most extensive social welfare systems in the world, and is constantly working towards a more sustainable future.

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

Just a few years after Norway found oil, the Ministry of Climate and Environment was founded – the first in the world with a comprehensive environmental responsibility. In the years to come several incidents occurred, both nationally and globally, that made the world recognise that climate change is the greatest threat to our planet and our future generations. Ozone depletion was detected, the Chernobyl reactor exploded, and the Exxon Valdes tanker hit a reef and leaked 3300 tonnes of crude oil into the ocean. As a consequence, Norway initiated a series of measures and commitments to address environmental challenges, and is now world-leading in sustainable energy. Norway’s electricity production is 97% renewable, and by 2020 the government aims to reduce emission of greenhouse gases by 30 percent. In addition to this, both onshore and offshore wind farms and solar energy are important renewable energy sources in Norway.

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Norway is also leading the way in recharging the car industry, literally. With over a third of all new cars sold in Norway being either fully electric or plug-in hybrid, it’s no surprise that electric cars have a 30% market share in Norway, the largest in the world. The goal is that within 2025 all new cars that are sold in Norway will be fossil free. There is great political will to facilitate initiatives for consumers to choose electric cars by offering economic benefits, lower toll rates and access to bus lanes that will shorten traffic time. This also puts pressure on companies to offer charging stations to employees and customers, making the shift from fossil cars to electrical cars more attractive and feasible.

THE GREEN CAPITAL

The European Commission awarded Oslo the title of European Green Capital for 2019. It places Oslo amongst the most ambitious cities in Europe when it comes to green urban development. The city’s vision is «a greener, more open and creative Oslo with room for everyone». Since Oslo is surrounded by forest and water, the protection and conservation of natural areas is a big part of the green focus. The Norwegian capital is an eco-friendly city working for a green lifestyle, green mobility, green innovations, and green jobs. By 2020 the city plans to have cut CO2 emissions in half, followed by the plans of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

THE ECONOMY IS EVERYTHING

The green change is not only helping the environment directly, but also stimulates new jobs, innovation and technology. The economy changes alongside the environmental developments, and gives life to new concepts and ways of seeing and handling resources, like the emergence of the sharing economy. In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s difficult to predict the future. What we do know, is how the economy is related to everything. Whether it’s reducing poverty, solving climate change or developing innovative products and services, the economy plays a central role. By studying at BI and building your knowledge of how the economy works and learning first-hand from Norway’s approach, you can be on the frontline for a sustainable future.

Stand out. Go North.

Deciding where to study is a big decision.

Moving to a new country to study is even bigger. There are many good reasons to choose Norway and BI Norwegian Business School, and you can find some of them below.

References:

• European green capital 2019 - Oslo
• Norsk miljøhistorie - en tidslinje