Greta Thunberg Joins Climate Activists to Block Norway’s Largest Oil Refinery

Norway woke up to disruption on Monday morning as climate activists, led by Greta Thunberg, staged a dramatic protest at the country’s biggest oil refinery. The Mongstad facility in Bergen a cornerstone of Norway’s oil economy was blocked on land and sea by activists demanding a rapid end to fossil fuel production.

Organisers say around 200 demonstrators from the group Extinction Rebellion took part, sitting on the road to block trucks and equipment from entering the refinery. Meanwhile, kayaks and sailboats prevented access to the port.

“No Future in Oil”

Thunberg, who has become one of the most recognisable voices of the global climate movement, issued a sharp rebuke to Norway’s leaders.

“We are here because it’s crystal clear that there is no future in oil. Fossil fuels lead to death and destruction,” she said, accusing oil producers like Norway of having “blood on their hands.”

Her words echo a growing global frustration: while nations pledge to cut emissions, major oil and gas producers continue to double down on fossil fuel output.

Norway’s Oil Dilemma

Norway, Western Europe’s biggest oil and gas producer, has long been criticised for the contradiction at the heart of its climate policies. On one hand, Oslo champions green energy and climate diplomacy. On the other, it relies heavily on oil revenues to support its economy and fund its generous welfare state.

The Mongstad refinery, owned by Equinor a company majority-owned by the Norwegian state sits at the centre of this tension. Equinor has already made clear it plans to keep production steady at 1.2 million barrels of oil per day until at least 2035, while also pumping 40 billion cubic metres of gas a year.

The government defends the industry as essential for jobs, technological expertise, and energy security particularly as Europe grapples with its reliance on imported fuel following geopolitical tensions.

Police on Standby, More Protests to Come

Police confirmed they had been monitoring the protest since early morning but did not immediately move in to dismantle the blockade. Extinction Rebellion organisers say the refinery shutdown is just the beginning, with a series of protests planned across Norway this week.

For many Norwegians, the action has sparked mixed feelings. On social media, supporters praised the activists for holding politicians accountable, while critics argued the protests unfairly target ordinary workers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

A Battle Bigger Than Bergen

This protest is not just about Mongstad it reflects a deeper global struggle. Climate activists argue that continued fossil fuel expansion undermines the world’s chances of keeping warming below 1.5°C, the target set in the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, oil-producing nations insist that the transition must be gradual, to balance environmental responsibility with economic stability.

For Greta Thunberg, however, the message remains urgent: “Every day we delay, more lives are lost. There is no more time to waste.”

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Source: IOL