Thursday 16 September 2021

Nigeria and Norway, two nations faced by a similar dilemma

 Initiating a series on the subject of global warming, BBC News last Tuesday broadcast a report from a Nigerian correspondent on that country's contribution. He highlighted the dangers of crude natural gas flares to the nearby populations. At the same time, he pointed out how dependent Nigeria is on her oil revenues. Unless world bodies are prepared to help the nation diversify her economy, Nigeria is bound to continue adding to global warming.

Global warming, along with inequalities in wealth distribution, was said to be a major factor in Norway's general election this week. In the event, a Conservative government which was in no hurry to rein in the nation's oil industry has been ousted by Labour equally committed to maintaining Norway's oil and gas industry. Of the two parties which were committed to practical measures to combat climate change, the Greens made only a slight advance and the liberal Venstre party trod water. Neither will figure in the coalition government which will take shape once the final results are in. So, although Norway has the highest number of electric vehicles per head in the world, her people as a whole sign up to the wish: Lord, make me good, but not yet.


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