Oil-rich Norway on Monday announced a project aimed at increasing the subterranean sequestration of environmentally harmful gases.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg called Project Longship a milestone in the industrial and climate initiatives of her government. The move will not only lower carbon-dioxide emissions, it will simplify the development of new technology and create jobs, she said.
Carbon dioxide is to be stored at a cement factory in Brevik, around 150 kilometres south-west of Oslo.
The plan now goes before parliament. Climate and Environment Minister Sveinung Rotevatn said that, to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, large amounts of carbon dioxide must be removed from the air and stored.
Protesters arrested
Norway has committed to lower its CO2 emissions by 50-55% by 2030.
But not everyone is happy with the government's efforts. Climate activist group Extinction Rebellion staged a protest in which 80 activists brought to a standstill a busy crossroads in Oslo.
Activists linked themselves together with iron pipes, among other methods. Police said 32 participants were arrested.
