Norway’s Energy Paradox

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/opinion/norways-energy-paradox.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Oil Producer. Climate Ally. Norway Is a Paradox” (news article, June 18):

There is no easy answer to this. The world needs more energy and less carbon: less coal, more efficient use of oil and gas and more renewables. Energy transformation will take time. Statoil, the biggest energy company in Norway, provides millions with energy daily, reliably and responsibly.

We produce oil and gas with 50 percent less emissions than the world average. If we stop, others will deliver. When discussing climate, an international perspective is needed. Indeed, carbon dioxide emissions in Britain are at a 120-year low. Why? Natural gas, much of it delivered through pipelines from Norway, and renewables have replaced coal.

To meet demand, exploration for oil and gas within rigorous environmental regulations is still needed. But we will also quadruple investments in renewables, including offshore wind outside New York.

The Paris agreement, which we support, is about reducing one’s own emissions and to contribute globally with actions and policies. That is how we balance the paradox.

BJORN OTTO SVERDRUPOSLO

The writer is senior vice president for corporate sustainability, Statoil.