A recent investigation by NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) sheds light on the concerning pace of natural habitat loss in Norway. The data indicates a staggering disappearance of at least 79 square meters per minute, with a total of 207 square kilometers lost over the past five years – equivalent to roughly half the land area of Oslo municipality.
The driving forces behind this loss are rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and industrial expansion, including the much-debated wind power projects. While wind energy often takes the blame, it is only a part of the larger equation. The consequences of this trend are evident, with advantages such as job creation and increased prosperity accompanying decisions to pave over and concrete new areas.
The NRK report highlights the extensive transformations happening outside Norwegian towns and urban areas – acres of land asphalted, transformed into box-like shopping and storage facilities, and sprawling parking lots. The cumulative impact of these developments is becoming unbearable.
The article points out the role of NHO (Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise), emphasizing its preference for wider roads, bustling construction activities, and new shopping centers – choices that contribute to Norway falling short in emission reduction compared to neighboring countries. The emissions from construction and transport have doubled since 1990, reflecting the economic growth experienced by Norway.
The piece challenges NHO’s approach, suggesting that the organisation should seek models that distribute the costs beyond taxpayers. It critiques NHO’s advocacy for more extensive infrastructure, contrasting it with the urgent need for reduced resource consumption across the economy – whether it be land, transportation, or energy.
It seems all countries need to look beyond new renewable energy capacity to everything they are building; roads, shopping centres, business structures, and the overall approach to land use.
Source
Slik bygger vi (ned) landet [Building (Down) the Country Like This], Energi og Klima, 2024-01-08
Boˆreal 