Report Reveals Norwegian Labour Voters Want Domestic Emissions Cuts and a Stricter Oil and Gas Policy

A new report, developed by the analysis agency Analyse & Tall SA in collaboration with Oil Change International, shows that a significant share of the Norwegian population wants emission cuts to happen within Norway and that Labour Party voters are ready for a political shift in oil policy. The report reveals that half of Norwegians believe that most or all emission cuts should take place domestically.

The report also reveals an increasing concern among Labour Party (Ap) voters with the following key findings:

• Two out of three Labour voters say Norway should either stop exploring for new oil and gas or slow down exploration.
• More Labour voters support a stricter oil and gas policy than those who want to maintain or relax the current approach.
  
• Other voters are more likely to support Labour if the party adopts a stricter oil and gas policy.

These findings are especially relevant as the Norwegian Parliament prepares to debate a new climate white paper in June that will set the course for future climate action – including how emissions cuts are achieved. The fact that a significant proportion of the Norwegian population wants emission reductions to happen in Norway sends a clear message to political leaders.

In response to the analysis, Silje Lundberg, North Sea Campaign Manager at Oil Change International said:

“The Labour Party is currently out of step with its own voters on oil policy. If it wants to be the responsible governing party that can lead Norway through the green transition, it must start with the most crucial step: ending new oil and gas exploration. This report shows that such a shift isn’t just right for the climate – it’s also what voters actually want.

“The report provides insight into the intersection of climate policy, energy policy, and party preferences, and highlights a growing disconnect between party platforms and voter priorities on these issues.”

For more information or to download the full report, please visit here. (only in Norwegian)