European Court Backs Norway, Dismisses Climate Claims Over Oil Licenses

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Norway did not violate its climate obligations by issuing oil licenses in 2016, marking a setback for climate activists.

• On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg dismissed claims from six Norwegian activists and non-governmental organizations, including Greenpeace, regarding Norways oil exploration licenses.
• The court found that Norways issuance of petroleum exploration licenses in the Arctic did not breach the European Convention on Human Rights or its climate obligations.
• This ruling follows a landmark decision where the European Court of Human Rights previously condemned Switzerland for its inadequate actions on climate change, highlighting varying national responsibilities.