(Swedish article) Norwegian oil corpo is brainwashing children through early propaganda

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1. ChatGPT summary: Equinor, the Norwegian oil giant, is facing criticism for its extensive marketing efforts targeted at young people, including sponsorships, educational programs, and media campaigns. The company is a major sponsor of the First Lego League, a global STEM competition for children, where participants wear t-shirts with Equinor’s logo. These events, such as a recent one at the Tekniska museet in Stockholm, are presented as educational experiences but also serve to promote Equinor’s brand. Critics argue that this approach aims to build brand loyalty among children and shape their views on energy and climate issues in favor of the oil industry.

   Julie Forchammer from the organization Klimatkultur points out that Equinor’s marketing efforts to children, including educational materials and sponsorships, use tactics similar to those employed by the American Petroleum Institute to influence young minds. In Norway, the company has produced YouTube series and educational content that is used in schools. These materials often focus on renewable energy or repurposing old oil platforms but fail to provide a balanced view of the climate crisis and the negative impact of fossil fuels. Critics argue that such campaigns shape children’s understanding of energy and climate issues in ways that benefit the fossil fuel industry.

   The controversy has sparked discussions about the ethics of allowing fossil fuel companies to sponsor educational events. Anna Jonsson from the think tank New Weather urges institutions like Tekniska museet to ban fossil fuel advertising, following recent calls from the UN for a global ban on fossil fuel promotion. Tekniska museet’s director, Peter Skogh, defended the museum’s involvement, emphasizing the value of the competition in stimulating creativity and technical skills in young people. However, he acknowledged the ongoing debate about the ethical implications of such partnerships and stated that the museum regularly evaluates its collaborations.

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