Running on fossil fumes : the Norwegian Snøvit case of fossil fuel depletion and obstacles for a sustainable transition to renewables

Sammanfattning: Global dependence on fossil fuels encourages the depletion of non-renewable resources, produces greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately contributes to anthropogenic climate change. Current efforts do not reduce depletion rates of these non-renewable resources despite collective action to improve long-term sustainability of Norwegian energy governance in the Barents Sea. This study focuses on the Snøvit (Snow White) development as a case of oil and gas resource extraction on the Norwegian continental shelf, and how the actors involved interact to ensure the long-term sustainability of national energy governance. Data is collected according to the indicators outlined in Elinor Ostrom’s framework for analyzing social-ecological systems (SESs), using industry and governmental reports, publications, and academic articles. Information on these indicators is analyzed to assess their contribution to self-organization for sustainability, and summarized in tables. Results show that sixteen indicators restrict self-organization efforts for sustainability. This effect is likely due to several factors such as a high exploitation rate in contrast to a negligible regeneration rate, high economic value, as well as other macroeconomic factors. These findings are congruent with Ostrom’s theory that collective action and self-organization between actors can ensure conservation of a common resource when all indicators show a positive effect. The study demonstrates that exploitation of Snøvit resources leads to their depletion due to sixteen indicators that have a negative impact on self-organization for long-term sustainability. As a result of this work, policy makers and industry actors should guide decisions and collaborative efforts to improve environmental performance and address critical aspects to ensure long-term sustainability of energy resource governance according to the sixteen identified indicators.