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The Documentary: Sweden's green power struggle

Sweden's green power struggle

20/12/2022 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Sweden's green power struggle

The indigenous Sami people who say carbon-cutting technology is harming their way of life

The indigenous Sami people who say carbon-cutting technology is harming their way of life.

In Sweden’s far north, indigenous Sami people say their traditional culture and way of life is being threatened by the country’s drive to develop carbon-cutting industries. In the Arctic town of Jokkmokk, a controversial new iron-ore mine has been given conditional approval in a reindeer herding area. Supporters of the project argue it is needed to extract materials to build a new green infrastructure in Sweden, and to create new jobs in an area desperate for regeneration. But the mine is opposed by many Sami, including artist and music producer Maxida Märak. Human rights groups and environmental campaigners also argue it could cause water pollution and threaten biodiversity.

Further south, in Umeå, Sami reindeer herder Elle Merete Omma says growing numbers of wind turbines are limiting access to grazing lands for reindeer in her Sami district. Plus we meet 21-year-old Sami Tik Tok influencer and student Evelina Solsten, who is using her platform to try and ensure Sami culture survives in the face of industrial developments.

The BBC's Maddy Savage hears both sides of the debate, and asks if the Sami should be prepared to adapt their often-idealised traditions in the face of climate and economic shifts.

(Photo: Members of the Sami community hold a Sami flag before marching during a Friday for Future protest in Jokkmokk, northern Sweden, 7 February 2020. Credit: Jonathan Nackstrand /AFP/Getty Images)

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