Who is listening? An examination of the Norwegian state’s environmental injustice towards the South Saami: through the development of Storheia and Roan wind farms on Fosen, in Trøndelag

Abstract: This thesis examines the Norwegian state’s environmental injustice towards the South Saami through the development of Roan and Storheia wind farms on Fosen, in Trøndelag. By analysing all of the development stages, starting with the assessments in 2008 and ending with the Supreme Court judgement in 2021, the dialogue between the South Saami and the Norwegian state is scrutinised. By building on the theoretical framework of environmental justice, with the theory of non-listening, the purpose of this thesis is to answer the research question: How does the development of Storheia and Roan wind farms illustrate the Norwegian state’s environmental injustice towards the South Saami? This thesis aspires to open up the possibilities for the politics of non-listening to assist environmental justice in future research. Additionally, this research aims to facilitate a further discussion on the urgent need to rethink renewable energy in Saepmie, and beyond, by including Indigenous knowledge. This is needed to protect the Saami culture, achieve a more equal society, and avoid a future of polarisation between the Saami and the majority society. However, this cannot be achieved as long as the State listens without the intent to understand.