Thunberg sides with reindeer herders to oppose wind farms

GRETA THUNBERG has been taking part in a five-day protest blocking the entrance to Norway’s energy ministry to protest against wind turbines.

Thunberg was specifically demonstrating against wind turbines built on land traditionally used by indigenous Sami reindeer herders.

“Indigenous rights, human rights, must go hand-in-hand with climate protection,” she said. “That can’t happen at the expense of some people. Then it is not climate justice.”

Norway’s supreme court in 2021 ruled that two wind farms built in central Norway violated Sami rights under international conventions, but the turbines remain in operation more than 16 months later.

Reindeer herders in the Nordic country say the sight and sound of the giant wind power machinery frighten their animals and disrupt age-old traditions.

Thunberg and a dozen Sami demonstrators have occupied the Oslo ministry’s reception since last Thursday.

The ministry said it hoped for a compromise on the fate of the 150 wind turbines that can power 100,000 homes.