Drilled The Black Thread, Ep 1 | Meet the Norwegians
Oct 13, 2025
Kari Norgaard, a sociologist and author, explores how cultural norms in Norway shape the public's response to climate change denial. Silja Ask-Lundberg, a researcher at Oil Change International, critiques the oil industry's pervasive influence on social values. Together, they delve into the paradox of Norway's green image clashing with its oil production. They discuss the societal pride tied to oil jobs, the cultural roots of Norway's oil identity, and how collective narratives sustain a reluctance to critique fossil fuel dependence.
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Norway's Identity-Action Contradiction
- Norway projects a global image of being nature-loving, egalitarian, and progressive.
- Yet the country still expands fossil fuel production, creating a deep identity contradiction.
Nature As National Identity
- Norway's vast wild landscape and right to roam root national identity in nature.
- This deep nature connection creates strong expectations that Norwegians should protect the environment.
Mushrooms, Etiquette, And Fairness
- Dickon recounts taking too many chanterelle mushrooms and being corrected by his wife.
- The moment revealed an unspoken ethic of sharing and fairness in Norwegian culture.
