Source: Research News, University of Oslo
By By Lisbet Jære (freelancer), Department of Media and Communication
Researcher interviewed: Eli Skogerbø, Professor at the University of Oslo
Original article: https://www.uio.no/forskning/forskningsnytt/artikler/2026/samiske-rettigheter-under-press.html
A recent research article from the University of Oslo highlights an increasingly urgent issue: the tension between climate policies and Indigenous rights in northern Europe.
The push for renewable energy and the “green transition” is widely viewed as necessary to address climate change. However, it can also create conflicts with the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Sámi reindeer herders in Norway.
A key example is the 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the Fosen case, which found that wind power developments in the Fosen area violated the cultural rights of Sámi reindeer herders. Despite the ruling, the Norwegian state was slow to act, highlighting an imbalance of power between the government and small Sámi communities.
Eli Skogerbø, professor at the University of Oslo, studies how Sámi interests are represented in public debates about green energy through the GREENGROWTH project. Her research examines how conflicts between wind power development and reindeer herding are discussed in politics and the media.
Reindeer herding is not just an economic activity but a legally protected cultural right based on long-standing traditional land use. However, in public debates it is often treated as merely one interest among many, rather than a fundamental right.
The Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commission has also identified a major knowledge gap in Norwegian society about Sámi culture. This lack of understanding can lead to the knowledge of reindeer herders being overlooked in political decisions, especially when weighed against economic and technical arguments.
Media coverage can also reinforce power imbalances. Wind power developers often use professional communication agencies, while Sámi reindeer herders typically represent themselves. As a result, their perspectives may be less visible or misunderstood in the media.
Another challenge is the ongoing legal burden placed on Sámi families, who must repeatedly defend their land rights in court. Many families are involved in multiple legal disputes at the same time, which places a heavy strain on small communities.
Finally, Skogerbø emphasizes that reindeer herding is frequently misunderstood. It is not an industrial activity that can simply be reorganized or relocated. For example, grazing areas may need decades to recover before they can be used again, a fact that reindeer herders often have to repeatedly explain in legal and public debates.
Overall, the research highlights how the green transition, while essential for climate action, must also respect Indigenous rights and knowledge.
Photo (c) A. Ausland, ICR
Copyright notice:
All rights to the original article, research, and interview belong to the University of Oslo and the original author(s). This post republishes a summary with full credit to the source.
