Norwegian Cousins Clash Over Oil and Climate

A Shared Trauma, Divided by Climate Politics

Andreas Bjelland Eriksen and his younger cousin Vebjorn Bjelland Berg have a history that many would find unimaginable. As teenagers in Norway, they survived a mass shooting together—a traumatic event that initially brought them closer. However, 14 years later, their paths have diverged dramatically, especially when it comes to climate politics.

Eriksen now serves as the environment minister in Norway, a country known for its vast oil resources. In contrast, Berg is one of the most vocal critics of the government’s approach to the oil industry. As a member of the Extinction Rebellion climate group, Berg has pledged to begin a hunger strike to pressure the pro-oil, centre-left government to halt drilling activities for the sake of the planet.

This protest places Eriksen in a difficult position, particularly as Norway prepares for a general election on September 8. The oil industry is expected to be a central topic in the campaign, with both candidates and voters weighing the economic benefits against environmental concerns.

The two cousins were at a youth camp on the island of Utoya on July 22, 2011, when far-right sympathizer Anders Behring Breivik carried out a deadly shooting that killed 69 people. Breivik also detonated a bomb near government headquarters in Oslo, killing an additional eight individuals. This tragedy left a lasting impact on both Eriksen and Berg, shaping their perspectives and relationships.

“I think going through something like that definitely marks a relationship,” Berg said during an interview. Despite this shared experience, he remains committed to his activism against the Labour government, which supports further development of the oil sector.

Berg argues that while the oil industry has made Norway extremely wealthy, the cost is too high. “The problem is the price—potentially the deaths of millions of people because of the ravages caused by this oil and this gas,” he explained. “It is not worth us continuing to make ourselves even richer at this price.”

Norway’s Oil Wealth and Political Divide

Norway’s offshore oil and gas fields have contributed significantly to the country’s wealth. Its sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, is valued at nearly $2 trillion, or about $350,000 per inhabitant. This financial power has shaped the nation's political landscape, with several small parties—from the left wing to ecologists and centre-right liberals—supporting Berg’s stance on the issue.

However, the Labour Party, which holds significant influence, has the backing of conservative and hard-right groups that advocate for continued development of the oil sector rather than its dismantling. This divide reflects a broader national debate over how to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Berg, who was born in Stavanger—the heart of Norway’s oil industry—grew up in a family deeply connected to the petroleum sector. His father worked for Equinor, one of the country’s major energy companies. Despite this background, Berg sees the ongoing exploitation of oil and gas as morally unjust. “It is a huge moral injustice to continue enriching ourselves further while already being among the richest in the world,” he said.

He also criticized the disproportionate impact of the oil industry on poorer nations. “People in other regions, mostly poor, dark-skinned people, simply have to die for us to become even richer,” he added.

Holding the Cousin Accountable

Eriksen has not directly commented on his cousin’s activism but did speak to the newspaper Dagbladet in July 2024 after Berg was caught trespassing at Oslo airport during a protest. Eriksen acknowledged the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “I understand that many people are impatient, and I am too. There is an urgent need to reduce emissions to curb climate change.” However, he emphasized the importance of broad support for any transition to a greener economy.

Despite their differing views, Berg maintains a respectful relationship with Eriksen. He said he will not vote for Labour in the upcoming election but expressed appreciation for their bond. “Communication between us is both respectful and affectionate,” he said. “I try to be as honest and direct as possible with him. I will do what I can to preserve our relationship while continuing to hold him accountable.”