Day 2: Geology, Oil
September 23rd, 2018
Woke up in Stavanger today! We’re staying at a hotel in a hospital which is also connected to a university? These Norwegians really have mixed use planning down.
Today is all about the geology of Norway, and in celebration we’re doing the hike up to Norway’s most popular outlook, Preacher’s Pulpit. It gives an incredible view of a fjord from over 600m above. Fjords are a defining characteristic of Norway, as well are mountains. Mountains are tall, but rounded from thousands of years of glacial icemelt. The movement of water across the landscape has created large valleys and rivers across the country. These geographical characteristics have largely shaped culture here, residents spend plenty of time outdoors, hiking, skiing, rock climbing. Tourists comme moi also take advantage of the beauty of the landscape.
Not only is geology beneficial for tourism and culture, but it has been a major driver in the country’s shift towards wealth. Stavanger is the city in Norway with the highest property values, due to the large oil industry that fuels the city’s economic activity. Many of the residents in Stavanger go to school for engineering and work in the oil industry later. The paradox here is that the carbon intensive industry that fuels its economic growth, is the same one that provides the wealth which allows the country to be so progressive and environmentally friendly.