The eleventh Sustainable Development Goal focuses on sustainable cities and communities, which emphasizes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements (United Nations). While we have only been in Oslo for a day and a half, the goal of creating a sustainable community is clearly evident throughout the culture. 

We spent the afternoon completing a “Windshield Survey”, a walking survey of the city where we assess the apparent health needs of the community by observing the structure and infrastructure, noting what is health promoting, and what may detract from the health of the community. We walked from the East to the West side of Oslo with a group of Norwegian students and could see the economic divide present in the city. Despite this divide, we still observed public transportation, clean streets, and active, bicycling Norwegians out-and-about. 

As we were chatting with the students from Norway, we learned that very few citizens actually own and drive their own cars—and they were shocked when we shared that we all have our own vehicle. As a sustainable nation, Norway utilizes biofuel, created from food waste, to power the public transportation and lessen greenhouse gas emissions. We took these fuel-efficient busses over to the grocery store, where I noticed there were almost no plastic wrappings on the produce and everyone brings their own reusable grocery bag (and you have to pay for a plastic bag if you forget yours!). 

Everywhere I looked on the walk home, I observed active Norwegians out walking, biking, and running. I have not seen a single overweight individual. The focus on sustainability extends to the people themselves—they emphasize a healthy lifestyle and have a significantly lower rate of chronic health issues (like diabetes and heart disease) as compared to the United States to show for it. 

As this second day comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on just how wonderful it feels to be in a community who embrace sustainable energy methods, work toward creating a healthy population, and are actively inclusive to all who come to this country. I can already see how I will take these concepts with me and apply them to my future as a nurse as I return home. Creating a sustainable environment for patients goes beyond the obvious (i.e. lessening the single-use, throw away society) and extends to the patients themselves. These active Norwegians remind me of the importance of educating patients on the importance of a healthy lifestyle—walking and biking not only help the individual, but play into the sustainable community by lessening dependence on fossil fuels in our cars and busses. I can’t wait to begin our Clinical experience tomorrow and continue to learn and love the country of Norway.

Group of students outside the University Hospital.

Beautiful waterfront, with lots of walking paths and outdoor markets.

Blooming flowers in the Sculpture Park gardens.

United Nations, (2019). Sustainable development goals: Sustainable cities and human settlements. Retrieved from, https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300