Norway wants to fight plastic pollution in the Arctic — and drill for more oil

Norway wants to be seen as a progressive leader on oceans, environmental issues and in the Arctic. But continued oil drilling has overshadowed those efforts.

This year, like last year, an astounding number of Norwegian government ministers descended on Tromsø, the main city in Arctic Norway for the annual Arctic Frontiers conference designed to bring Arctic science and politics together. Erna Solberg, the prime minister, only cancelled her appearance at the last instant because of a government reshuffle.