6min chapter

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550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?

Freakonomics Radio

CHAPTER

The History of the Whale Oil Industry in Norway

In the 1860s, Norway's whaling fleet became the largest in the world. Whale oil was used for decades as a lighting fuel and as industrial lubricant. The main buyers of the whale oil throughout the 20th century were large companies in Europe like Unilever or Proctor and Gamble that processed it further to make margarine. If you're looking for a smart way to make some extra money, try listing on Airbnb.

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