European Court Rules Norway's Oil Licenses Don't Violate Climate Commitments

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Norways issuance of Arctic oil licenses in 2016 did not breach climate obligations, disappointing climate activists.

On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights determined that Norways 2016 oil and gas exploration licenses did not violate the countrys climate commitments.
This ruling followed a historic verdict in 2022 when the Strasbourg court condemned Switzerland for inadequate climate action, marking a shift in judicial accountability.
The case was brought forth by six Norwegian activists and local branches of non-governmental organization Greenpeace and Young Friends of the Earth, emphasizing the need for environmental impact assessments.

Why It Matters

This ruling underscores the tension between national economic interests, particularly in petroleum, and global climate change efforts. It reflects the complexities of enforcing climate obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, influencing future climate litigation.