Sigurd De Lichtenberg Rud

Research

My PhD project is entitled “Environmental (In)Justice: Contemplating the Socioecological Complexities of Norwegian Wind Power Development.” Taking as my starting point the conflict surrounding the Fosen wind power complex, as well as projected wind power developments in Finnmark, Northern Norway/Sápmi, I investigate how wind power development is legitimized, how certain areas are deemed appropriate for development, and how wind power is experienced, interpreted, and either embraced or challenged locally by Sámi and non-Sámi alike. By broadening the scope beyond Sámi responses and epistemological–ontological differences, my aim is to move past the simplistic construction of a discourse in which the Sámi are cast as a stubborn, “traditional” minority standing in the way of important progress. By taking into account the wider socioecological impacts of wind power development, I contribute important insights to the realization of a just green transition.

I hold a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Copenhagen. Throughout my studies, I have focused on political anthropology and themes such as political activism, race, gender and ethnicity, violence, and anti-/post-/decolonialism. My master’s thesis examined Norwegian settler colonialism and anti-Sámi racism in Tromsø.