Norway plans to drill for oil in untouched Arctic areas

(The Guardian, 26 Aug 2020) Critics say plan for fields off Svalbard threatens ecosystem and relations with Russia.

Norway is planning to expand oil drilling in previously untouched areas of the Arctic, a move campaigners say threatens the fragile ecosystem and could spark a military standoff with Russia.

A public consultation on the opening up of nine new Norwegian oilfields closed on Wednesday. The areas in question are much further north in the Arctic than the concessions the US president, Donald Trump, announced for Alaska this month.

Experts say the area is regarded as risky both environmentally and in terms of profitability. They also say the decision risks antagonising other nations which are party to the 100-year-old Svalbard treaty, which regulates activity in the area concerned.

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The Guardian, 26 Aug 2020: Norway plans to drill for oil in untouched Arctic areas