Climate activists DEMAND fossil fuel phase-out

Climate activists led by Greta Thunberg have targeted Norway’s largest oil refinery, demanding an immediate fossil fuel phase-out—raising fresh alarms about global energy security, economic stability, and the influence of radical agendas on national policy.

Story Snapshot

• Greta Thunberg and climate activists have blocked Norway’s Mongstad oil refinery, demanding the government end oil and gas production.
• The protest, organized by Extinction Rebellion, involved coordinated land and maritime blockades, disrupting access but not halting refinery operations.
• Norwegian officials and industry leaders warn that such actions threaten energy security across Europe and challenge the rule of law.
• This marks a significant direct action against Norwegian oil infrastructure, intensifying the debate over climate policy versus economic and strategic needs.

Activists Target Critical Infrastructure in Norway

On February 23, 2023, approximately 150 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, blocked all major entrances to the Mongstad oil refinery near Bergen, Norway. The event, coordinated by Extinction Rebellion, was a significant action against Norwegian oil infrastructure. Using both land and sea routes, protesters demanded that Norway’s government implement an immediate plan to phase out oil and gas production. Police maintained a strong presence, intervening especially when activists entered safety zones by kayak. Despite the disruption, refinery operations continued with contingency measures in place.

200 activists block Norway’s Mongstad oil refinery, calling for an end to fossil fuels.#GretaThunberg #ClimateStrike #FossilFree #ExtinctionRebellion #StopOil #ClimateAction #NorwayProtest
Read on https://t.co/kgI9VcLl2q pic.twitter.com/v7p9YSkjo1

— IOL News (@IOL) August 18, 2025

Norway’s Mongstad refinery, owned by state-majority Equinor, is the country’s largest and a crucial supplier of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel to Europe. The protest comes as Norway faces international scrutiny for issuing new oil licenses despite its climate pledges. With the backdrop of global energy instability and increased reliance on Norwegian exports, industry leaders and lawmakers have criticized the blockade as reckless and damaging.

Activist Demands Versus Economic and Security Realities

Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg openly accused Norway of hypocrisy, denouncing its role as Western Europe’s top fossil fuel exporter while promoting a green image abroad. Their key demand: a concrete, government-backed plan to shut down fossil fuel operations, including the Mongstad refinery. Thunberg’s rhetoric has been a point of discussion.

However, both Equinor and the Norwegian government have emphasized the economic and strategic necessity of oil and gas, not only for Norway’s welfare state but also for European allies facing energy shortfalls.

The protest is only the latest in a series of escalating actions across Europe, with the Extinction Rebellion previously targeting infrastructure in the UK and Germany. In Norway, the current wave of protests is set to continue, including planned disruptions in Oslo and Bergen. Law enforcement agencies have responded with increased vigilance and, where necessary, removal of activists from restricted zones. Industry observers warn that repeated blockades could set a dangerous precedent, emboldening similar disruptions in other energy-producing nations and undermining critical infrastructure security.

Broader Implications: Energy Policy, Free Societies, and the Rule of Law

For American conservatives and advocates of constitutionally protected rights, the Norwegian protest raises pressing questions about the influence of activism on energy policy and economic freedom. While activists claim to champion climate justice, their tactics threaten the stability of essential industries and the livelihoods of working families. The Norwegian government faces increasing pressure to balance international climate commitments with the practical needs of citizens and allies.

Sources:

Greta Thunberg and climate activists block Norway oil refinery (Le Monde)
Greta Thunberg joins climate protest in Norway refinery (Maghrebi/AFP)
Climate activists blockade Norway’s largest oil refinery (European Conservative)
PFUN 2025 Campaign: Extinction Rebellion Norway