Norway unveils billion-dollar clean energy plan

The plan, called “Energy +”, would see governments and private investors to commit funds to promote renewable sources like solar and wind, and is modeled after a similar plan to slow deforestation in tropical rainforests. This kind of investment is critical: we must ensure that developing nations meet their burgeoning and legitimate energy needs through renewable sources if we have any hope to cut global carbon emissions. As well as being good news for climate change, there are some lessons for Canada here.
First, unlike Canada, some countries are bringing creativity and leadership to the global fight against climate change, with new ideas backed by new funding.
Second, as the world’s sixth largest oil exporter Norway is using the wealth generated from their oil and gas development to fund the transition to a low-carbon economy. Canada could do the same. We already have the building blocks, with virtually unmatched potential for renewable energy, a highly educated and skilled workforce, and internationally recognized policies like the Green Energy Act in Ontario and BC’s carbon tax.
Of course, Norway’s plan has just been announced, so success is far from assured. But this is a refreshing reminder that innovation and global leadership is possible, even from a country as small as Norway – or Canada. Canada used to be known for just such a constructive and innovative role on the global stage. There is no reason we should not aspire to playing that role again. In the meantime, there are terrific leadership examples in provinces and municipalities across Canada upon which we can build. That’s where you’ll find WWF spending much of our time and effort.