Stand up for the environment and democracy, against the oligarchs

Posted on December 18, 2025 by svenaake

Sven Åke Bjørke

Democracy is the foundation of freedom, equality, and collective decision-making. Democratic societies have greater social mobility, innovation, and respect for human rights. Democracy allows the individual to have a voice. It values ​​participation, accountability, and the rule of law.

Democracy is now under threat from a handful of ruthless and corrupt billionaires. The majority of the world’s oligarchs are tied to the oil and arms industries. The most prominent are Putin, Bin Salman, Trump, and their close associates and CEOs of the world’s richest companies such as Aramco, Exxon, Chevron, Rosneft, Lukoil, the Koch corporations, etc. So far the only men likley to be trillionaires are Bin Salman and Putin, as they have free access to state treasuries. But others are following suit. These billionaires, in an international network of cooperating oligarchs, use their obscene wealth to steal wealth and influence from the “common people”; you and me.

Oligarchy, unlike democracy, concentrates power in the hands of a few wealthy individuals or families. When oligarchs control economic resources, the media, and political institutions, they can undermine democratic processes, influence politics, and stifle the voice of the majority.

Concentration of power erodes public trust, fuels inequality, and fosters authoritarianism. Oxfam says, “Since 2015, the richest 1% have owned more wealth than the rest of the planet.”

“In countries around the world, a small elite is taking an ever-increasing share of national income, while hundreds of millions of people still live without access to clean water and without enough food to feed their families.”

As a rule of thumb, oligarchies are also kleptocracies, where the tiny elite steals from their own people

Global warming is happening now

Global warming, caused by massive emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of coal, oil, and gas, is now threatening the environment, well-being, survival, and the economy. Increasingly frequent extreme heat waves, droughts, increasing flooding, more extreme weather, wildfires, and the loss of biodiversity are threatening agriculture and food supplies.

Atmospheric rivers can cause severe damage to coastal cities and farmland, while droughts affect inland areas. Combined with shrinking glaciers in the mountains, many rivers are becoming increasingly dry, and droughts threaten the whole of southern Europe, not to mention the Middle East. More precipitation over Scandinavia and a weakened Gulf Stream create climate uncertainty in Norway. A gradually more open polar ocean disrupts the jet streams in the upper troposphere and leads to changes in the usual weather systems

Tipping points are being passed

One tipping point has already been passed: warm-water corals are disappearing, the water is getting warmer and carbon uptake in the ocean is decreasing. The next tipping point could be that the Amazon jungle is partially drying out and becoming savanna. A third tipping point could be the melting of clathrates in northern oceans, where large amounts of the strong greenhouse gas methane are released. In that case, global average temperatures would quickly rise by several degrees. Changes in eco-systems may be predictable and linear for some time, but when the web of life wears too thin, massive changes can take place abruptly and lead to an ecological paradigm shift.

More expensive food, more expensive insurance

Climate change, extreme weather, floods and landslides make life more uncertain. Property insurance is becoming increasingly expensive or is no longer available in some places.

Rising prices for food and insurance are affecting most people, while the richest earn even more.

Millions of climate refugees are already on the way. Insecurity and conflicts are increasing. The richest are taking refuge in fortress-like palaces. Everyone else is picking up the bill. This cannot continue.

Emissions must be reduced

The world must significantly reduce its emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by mid-century to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

Over 80 oil-importing countries, including the EU, have now agreed to cooperate to halve emissions within 10-15 years. China is investing massively in renewable energy. The use of coal and oil should be phased out by 2050. The fossil fuel age should therefore end within 25 years according to this plan. We can only hope that this tight timeframe is sufficient to avoid the worst damage from global warming.

The gradual phase-out of fossil energy is the petro-tyrants’ great fear. Putin’s Russia and the oil dictatorships in the Middle East have few other sources of income. It is logical that Russian internet trolls spread their hate speech and disinformation as much as they can on social media.

We must work together to defend the environment and strengthen democracy. We cannot let the oligarchs win. The transition to a sustainable society must be planned and implemented now. Fortunately, this transition is well underway in many places. Most people realize that the coal and oil age is coming to an end and that it is irresponsible and downright dangerous not to take part in the green shift, regardless of resistance and manipulation from the oligarchs.

Remember that science does not create risk. It reveals it. Less science leaves societies blind to the risks.

We need a world where energy is safe, renewable and serves communities. Not dirty energy that serves corporations and billionaires’ profit. 

How to fight the oligarchs and stand up for democracy?

  • Stay informed: Knowledge is power. Follow credible news sources, learn about the political process, and fact-check information.
  • Participate in elections: Voting is a direct way to express your voice and elect leaders who will defend democratic principles.
  • Support independent media: Independent journalism holds the powerful accountable. Support media outlets that challenge oligarchic narratives.
  • Participate in peaceful protests: Demonstrations and activism highlight public concerns and can lead to meaningful change.
  • Demand transparency in public administration and fair business practices to reduce corruption and undue influence.
  • Demand a global tax of at least 2% on all large fortunes to fund the fight against global warming
  • Demand the abolition of tax havens.
  • Join nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community organizations that defend democracy.
  • Share information with friends, family, and colleagues. Collective awareness strengthens democratic resilience.

Stand up for democracy

Solid democratic institutions – such as independent courts, legislatures and regulatory bodies – are essential to check oligarchic power. Leaders must be held accountable and encouraged to serve the common good rather than vested interests. Reforms that promote transparency in campaign finance, anti-corruption measures and fair access to political participation help defend democracy against oligarchy.

A country like Norway has the oil fund. The return from the fund means more to the Norwegian economy than the transfers from the oil sector. Today’s welfare state is not dependent on oil activity. The return from the fund means more to the Norwegian economy than the annual transfers from offshore activities. What really matters in the long run is the general level of education, the general level of competence and ability of innovation. The notion that the welfare state will fall if oil activity is curbed has no basis in reality. A soft landing for oil dependence is necessary. Otherwise, the Norwegian economy risks a solid bout of “Dutch disease”.

Democracy, the environment, a good and long-term economy, justice and equality are values ​​that must be defended – by you, by all of us – now.

References:

Unknown's avatar

About svenaake

University Teacher.
This entry was posted in Environment, Fossil fuels, Sustainable development and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a comment