WWF (World Wildlife Fund) questions Norway’s environmental policy in a letter to the Government, after learning about the possible plans of a new coal mine on Svalbard.
In a letter to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, both WWF and Friends of the Earth state that if the project moves forward, it could question Norway’s credibility in environmental questions, as well as its role as a constructive and honest player in future climate negotiations.
The plans of a new coal mine on Svalbard were initiated by The Norwegian Coal Company (Store Norske). They have sought permission to open up a new mine as the two existing ones are being emptied. In spite of the negative reactions, statements from both the Prime Minister's own Labour Party and coalition partner the Centre Party indicate that the plans of a new mine will move forward.
However, other politicians disagree. "We can no longer continue to mine coal – the most destructive form of energy to the climate," says Snorre Valen from the Socialist Party, the third coalition party. "It simply doesn’t make sense."
The Governor of Svalbard has recommended that the Ministry of Environment grant permission to build the new mine, but has also stipulated a long list of requirements in order to minimize the environmental damage. The requirements are not related to the mining process itself, but the preservation of the area and construction of the mine.
"Norway will, along with many other countries, continue to use fossil fuel, including oil, gas and coal, for many years ahead. It will be important to find ways to do this that will cause the least pollution." said Heidi Sørensen, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment to NRK. "We have registered that the Government has received a letter from Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and WWF International, and this will be part of the processing of this case."
The Government will make their final decision on whether the coal mine will be built some time this fall.
(NRK)
Written by Julie Ryland
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