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UK opens new licensing round for North Sea oil despite environmentalist outcry.png)
Conservationist groups argue that the UK is going against its climate change promises with North Sea oil extraction
The British government opened a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration Friday despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.
The Conservative government argues that extracting more fossil fuels from the North Sea will create jobs and strengthen U.K. energy security, and is less environmentally harmful than importing gas and oil from abroad.
"I know it sounds contradictory – but it’s actually good for the environment," Climate Minister Graham Stuart said.
"When we burn our own gas, it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas … as well as supporting British jobs," he told the BBC.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed gas and electricity prices higher and squeezed energy supplies across Europe, prompting countries to focus urgently on securing new sources.
The organization that oversees the U.K.’s electricity grid has said that planned blackouts might be needed this winter if the gas-fired power plants that produce 43% of Britain’s electricity can’t get enough gas to continue operating.
The British government opened a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration Friday despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.
The Conservative government argues that extracting more fossil fuels from the North Sea will create jobs and strengthen U.K. energy security, and is less environmentally harmful than importing gas and oil from abroad.
"I know it sounds contradictory – but it’s actually good for the environment," Climate Minister Graham Stuart said.
"When we burn our own gas, it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas … as well as supporting British jobs," he told the BBC.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed gas and electricity prices higher and squeezed energy supplies across Europe, prompting countries to focus urgently on securing new sources.
The organization that oversees the U.K.’s electricity grid has said that planned blackouts might be needed this winter if the gas-fired power plants that produce 43% of Britain’s electricity can’t get enough gas to continue operating.
AND UP IS DOWN
Britain's Minister of State Graham Stuart, pictured here speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, on Aug. 1, 2022, argues that oil and gas exploration in the North Sea is "actually good for the environment,".
Britain's Minister of State Graham Stuart, pictured here speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, on Aug. 1, 2022, argues that oil and gas exploration in the North Sea is "actually good for the environment,".
(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
The U.K. last saw planned blackouts in the 1970s, during an international oil crisis and a series of coal miners’ strikes.
The North Sea Transition Authority, or NSTA, said almost 900 new exploration blocks and partial blocks of the North Sea are available, with up to 100 licenses likely to be issued. Priority will be given to four areas off the east coast of England that are known to contain hydrocarbons and are close to existing infrastructure.
The government and fossil fuel industry say drilling for more oil and gas would not undermine Britain’s pledge to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
GERMAN CLIMATE ACTIVISTS SHUT OFF OIL PIPELINES TO PROTEST NORTH SEA DRILLING
"Security of supply and net zero should not be in conflict," NSTA chief executive Andy Samuel said. "The industry has committed to halving upstream emissions by 2030 and investing heavily in electrification, carbon storage and hydrogen."
Environmentalists say the only way to limit global warming to the internationally approved target of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels is to stop extracting fossil fuels.
"The government’s claim that burning ever more fossil fuels from the North Sea will help the U.K. meet its international obligations to become net-zero by 2050 has no connection to reality," U.K. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said.
EUROPE ACTIVATES TWO NEW PIPELINES, DECREASING RELIANCE ON RUSSIAN GAS AHEAD OF WINTER CRUNCH: REPORT
"We truly have stepped through the looking glass."
The U.K. last saw planned blackouts in the 1970s, during an international oil crisis and a series of coal miners’ strikes.
The North Sea Transition Authority, or NSTA, said almost 900 new exploration blocks and partial blocks of the North Sea are available, with up to 100 licenses likely to be issued. Priority will be given to four areas off the east coast of England that are known to contain hydrocarbons and are close to existing infrastructure.
The government and fossil fuel industry say drilling for more oil and gas would not undermine Britain’s pledge to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
GERMAN CLIMATE ACTIVISTS SHUT OFF OIL PIPELINES TO PROTEST NORTH SEA DRILLING
"Security of supply and net zero should not be in conflict," NSTA chief executive Andy Samuel said. "The industry has committed to halving upstream emissions by 2030 and investing heavily in electrification, carbon storage and hydrogen."
Environmentalists say the only way to limit global warming to the internationally approved target of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels is to stop extracting fossil fuels.
"The government’s claim that burning ever more fossil fuels from the North Sea will help the U.K. meet its international obligations to become net-zero by 2050 has no connection to reality," U.K. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said.
EUROPE ACTIVATES TWO NEW PIPELINES, DECREASING RELIANCE ON RUSSIAN GAS AHEAD OF WINTER CRUNCH: REPORT
"We truly have stepped through the looking glass."
AP
UK offers new North Sea oil and gas licenses despite outrage from climate activists
CGTN
08-Oct-2022
VIDEO
Britain has opened a new licensing round for energy companies to explore for oil and gas in the North Sea, despite anger and threats of legal challenges from climate campaigners.
Nearly 900 locations are being given up for exploration as of Friday, with up to 100 licences expected to be handed down to firms, a move international climate scientists say will add to the acceleration of the climate crisis.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Energy Agency have both said there must not be any new oil and gas projects if the rise in global temperature are to be kept under 1.5 degrees Celsius - an increase that would likely see 70 to 90 percent of coral reefs dying off worldwide.
The decision comes as European nations attempt to tackle rising energy prices amid the Ukraine conflict and Russia's consequent move to drastically reduce gas exports to the continent.
The UK government's own climate advisers stated earlier this year that the best way to help people struggling with skyrocketing energy prices was to stop switch to renewables instead of drilling for more fossil fuels - a pledge the ruling Conservative Party vowed to keep at last year's UN Climate Change Conference.
Britain is offering new licenses for the exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea despite anger from climate activists.
Britain has opened a new licensing round for energy companies to explore for oil and gas in the North Sea, despite anger and threats of legal challenges from climate campaigners.
Nearly 900 locations are being given up for exploration as of Friday, with up to 100 licences expected to be handed down to firms, a move international climate scientists say will add to the acceleration of the climate crisis.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Energy Agency have both said there must not be any new oil and gas projects if the rise in global temperature are to be kept under 1.5 degrees Celsius - an increase that would likely see 70 to 90 percent of coral reefs dying off worldwide.
The decision comes as European nations attempt to tackle rising energy prices amid the Ukraine conflict and Russia's consequent move to drastically reduce gas exports to the continent.
The UK government's own climate advisers stated earlier this year that the best way to help people struggling with skyrocketing energy prices was to stop switch to renewables instead of drilling for more fossil fuels - a pledge the ruling Conservative Party vowed to keep at last year's UN Climate Change Conference.
Britain is offering new licenses for the exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea despite anger from climate activists.
/Andy Buchanan/pool/Reuters
However, UK Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said the new oil and gas licences would offer more energy security amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, and would not affect the government's legally binding commitment to hit net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
"Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine means it is now more important than ever that we make the most of sovereign energy resources," he said in a statement.
Bucking the trend
UK climate minister Graham Stuart said that it was also worth reflecting that the UK was in a stronger position than most of its European partners when it came to reliance on fossil fuels from Moscow.
"Unlike them (other European nations) we're not dependent on Russian gas. We produce nearly half of our gas domestically and that's why we should continue to do so while we're burning it," he said.
"I'm confident that the government has done everything in its power, working with [regulator] Ofgem, the National Grid to make sure we're in the strongest possible position," he said.
Stuart added that the government would not be asking people to use less energy, despite a warning from the National Grid, the UK's power network, that homes and businesses could face three-hour planned blackouts this winter.
Such an approach is in direct opposition to what the UK's neighbors have agreed, with most EU nations voluntarily reducing gas use by 15 percent and urging businesses to cut energy use and public buildings to turn down their heating.
"We're not in the business of telling people how to live their lives," Stuart said on Times Radio, claiming that any public information campaign would not reduce the risk to Britain's energy supply.
However, the UK energy supplier and regulator Ofgem did say it was working with the government to reward people who cut gas use at peak times.
Under new Prime Minister Liz Truss, Britain's plan to bolster its energy security has also included lifting a ban on fracking for shale gas in England, despite climate experts saying that new fossil fuel exploration and extraction would do little in the short term to ease the pains of those struggling to pay their bills.
However, UK Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said the new oil and gas licences would offer more energy security amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, and would not affect the government's legally binding commitment to hit net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
"Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine means it is now more important than ever that we make the most of sovereign energy resources," he said in a statement.
Bucking the trend
UK climate minister Graham Stuart said that it was also worth reflecting that the UK was in a stronger position than most of its European partners when it came to reliance on fossil fuels from Moscow.
"Unlike them (other European nations) we're not dependent on Russian gas. We produce nearly half of our gas domestically and that's why we should continue to do so while we're burning it," he said.
"I'm confident that the government has done everything in its power, working with [regulator] Ofgem, the National Grid to make sure we're in the strongest possible position," he said.
Stuart added that the government would not be asking people to use less energy, despite a warning from the National Grid, the UK's power network, that homes and businesses could face three-hour planned blackouts this winter.
Such an approach is in direct opposition to what the UK's neighbors have agreed, with most EU nations voluntarily reducing gas use by 15 percent and urging businesses to cut energy use and public buildings to turn down their heating.
"We're not in the business of telling people how to live their lives," Stuart said on Times Radio, claiming that any public information campaign would not reduce the risk to Britain's energy supply.
However, the UK energy supplier and regulator Ofgem did say it was working with the government to reward people who cut gas use at peak times.
Under new Prime Minister Liz Truss, Britain's plan to bolster its energy security has also included lifting a ban on fracking for shale gas in England, despite climate experts saying that new fossil fuel exploration and extraction would do little in the short term to ease the pains of those struggling to pay their bills.
Source(s): Reuters
Like Canada, UK offers new North Sea oil, gas licenses
By Jill Lawless | News, Politics | October 7th 2022
Britain's Minister of State (Minister for Climate) Graham Stuart addresses the 2022 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference, in the United Nations General Assembly, on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
The British government opened a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration Friday despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.
The Conservative government argues that extracting more fossil fuels from the North Sea will create jobs and strengthen U.K. energy security, and is less environmentally harmful than importing gas and oil from abroad.
“I know it sounds contradictory – but it’s actually good for the environment,” Climate Minister Graham Stuart said.
“When we burn our own gas, it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas … as well as supporting British jobs,” he told the BBC.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed gas and electricity prices higher and squeezed energy supplies across Europe, prompting countries to focus urgently on securing new sources.
The organization that oversees the U.K.’s electricity grid has said that planned blackouts might be needed this winter if the gas-fired power plants that produce 43% of Britain’s electricity can’t get enough gas to continue operating.
The U.K. last saw planned blackouts in the 1970s, during an international oil crisis and a series of coal miners’ strikes.
The North Sea Transition Authority, or NSTA, said almost 900 new exploration blocks and partial blocks of the North Sea are available, with up to 100 licenses likely to be issued. Priority will be given to four areas off the east coast of England that are known to contain hydrocarbons and are close to existing infrastructure.
The government and fossil fuel industry say drilling for more oil and gas would not undermine Britain’s pledge to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
“Security of supply and net zero should not be in conflict,” NSTA chief executive Andy Samuel said. “The industry has committed to halving upstream emissions by 2030 and investing heavily in electrification, carbon storage and hydrogen.”
#UK offers new #NorthSea oil, gas licenses despite opposition. #FossilFuel #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Oil #Gas
Environmentalists say the only way to limit global warming to the internationally approved target of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels is to stop extracting fossil fuels.
“The government’s claim that burning ever more fossil fuels from the North Sea will help the U.K. meet its international obligations to become net-zero by 2050 has no connection to reality,” U.K. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said.
“We truly have stepped through the looking glass.”
By Jill Lawless | News, Politics | October 7th 2022
Britain's Minister of State (Minister for Climate) Graham Stuart addresses the 2022 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference, in the United Nations General Assembly, on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
The British government opened a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration Friday despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.
The Conservative government argues that extracting more fossil fuels from the North Sea will create jobs and strengthen U.K. energy security, and is less environmentally harmful than importing gas and oil from abroad.
“I know it sounds contradictory – but it’s actually good for the environment,” Climate Minister Graham Stuart said.
“When we burn our own gas, it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas … as well as supporting British jobs,” he told the BBC.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed gas and electricity prices higher and squeezed energy supplies across Europe, prompting countries to focus urgently on securing new sources.
The organization that oversees the U.K.’s electricity grid has said that planned blackouts might be needed this winter if the gas-fired power plants that produce 43% of Britain’s electricity can’t get enough gas to continue operating.
The U.K. last saw planned blackouts in the 1970s, during an international oil crisis and a series of coal miners’ strikes.
The North Sea Transition Authority, or NSTA, said almost 900 new exploration blocks and partial blocks of the North Sea are available, with up to 100 licenses likely to be issued. Priority will be given to four areas off the east coast of England that are known to contain hydrocarbons and are close to existing infrastructure.
The government and fossil fuel industry say drilling for more oil and gas would not undermine Britain’s pledge to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
“Security of supply and net zero should not be in conflict,” NSTA chief executive Andy Samuel said. “The industry has committed to halving upstream emissions by 2030 and investing heavily in electrification, carbon storage and hydrogen.”
#UK offers new #NorthSea oil, gas licenses despite opposition. #FossilFuel #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Oil #Gas
Environmentalists say the only way to limit global warming to the internationally approved target of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels is to stop extracting fossil fuels.
“The government’s claim that burning ever more fossil fuels from the North Sea will help the U.K. meet its international obligations to become net-zero by 2050 has no connection to reality,” U.K. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said.
“We truly have stepped through the looking glass.”
UK Government 'sticking two fingers up to scientists' with new North Sea licensing round
By Abbi Garton-Crosbie@agc_reports
By Abbi Garton-Crosbie@agc_reports
Multimedia Political Reporter
THE NATIONAL, SCOTLAND
Climate campaigners outside of the UK Government's hub in Edinburgh demanding the license granted to the Jackdaw gas field be reversed after it was granted in June 2022
FURIOUS climate campaigners have accused the UK Government of “sticking two fingers up” to scientists as a new licensing round for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
The UN and environmental experts have warned that any further fossil fuel projects brought online will have a devastating impact on efforts to limit global warming to 1.5C.
Meanwhile, UK Tory climate minister Graham Stuart claimed that the licensing round will be “good for the environment”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that any new projects should be subject to the “most stringent” climate checks, adding that she feared the plan was a continuation of the UK’s “haphazard planning about energy”.
The Scottish Greens joined campaigners in decrying the move as “climate vandalism”.
The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) will begin the 33rd round of offshore licences, with the UK Government arguing increasing production will boost the economy and energy security.
Stuart claimed a new licensing round for oil and gas exploration is “entirely compatible” with climate targets, and “we have one of the lowest emitting production systems for oil and gas”.
FURIOUS climate campaigners have accused the UK Government of “sticking two fingers up” to scientists as a new licensing round for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
The UN and environmental experts have warned that any further fossil fuel projects brought online will have a devastating impact on efforts to limit global warming to 1.5C.
Meanwhile, UK Tory climate minister Graham Stuart claimed that the licensing round will be “good for the environment”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that any new projects should be subject to the “most stringent” climate checks, adding that she feared the plan was a continuation of the UK’s “haphazard planning about energy”.
The Scottish Greens joined campaigners in decrying the move as “climate vandalism”.
The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) will begin the 33rd round of offshore licences, with the UK Government arguing increasing production will boost the economy and energy security.
Stuart claimed a new licensing round for oil and gas exploration is “entirely compatible” with climate targets, and “we have one of the lowest emitting production systems for oil and gas”.
ECOCIDE
A new licensing round has been opened for oil and gas projects in the North Sea
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the climate minister said: “Actually it’s good for the environment because when we burn our own gas it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas… as well as supporting British jobs.
“Our development is not going to affect our usage, our usage is determined by the framework of the Climate Change Act and the independent Climate Change Committee which informs Government policy.
“So you really can be assured that it’s actually – I know it sounds contradictory – but it’s actually good for the environment that we are going to produce more of our gas and oil at home.”
Licences are being made available for sectors of the North Sea – known as blocks – with the NSTA estimating more than 100 may be granted.
Companies are being urged to apply for licences covering areas to the west of Shetland, in the northern North Sea, the central North Sea, the southern North Sea and east Irish Sea.
However, the FM said there has to be a transition away from oil and gas and accused the UK Government of “haphazard planning” over energy.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast ahead of the SNP’s party conference in Aberdeen on Friday, she said: “In terms of new licences, I’ve been very clear that within the context of that just transition, we’ve got to subject any decisions about further exploitation of oil and gas to the most stringent climate checks.
“I worry right now that what we’re hearing from the UK Government is just a continuation of their haphazard planning about energy.
“In the long term, what they’re doing is undermining energy security, rather than strengthening it, because energy security, it’s difficult, it’s challenging, but the route to energy security is to secure that transition away from fossil fuels to renewables.”
Ruskell said the move was "climate vandalism"
Scottish Greens energy and environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said that the move was a “brutal slap in the face” to anyone concerned about climate change.
He added: “If this kind of climate vandalism is allowed to go ahead it will spark more scenes of misery and devastation in those areas already dealing with the impacts, and is tantamount to a death sentence for tens of thousands of others.
“We can’t drill our way out of this crisis. Even trying to is totally incompatible with our international obligations. We need to be planning for a future beyond oil and gas, not doubling down on it. That means halting all new drilling and investing in a just transition to renewables.”
Ruskell added that the climate crisis is the “biggest challenge facing this generation” and called on the UK Government to take the issue seriously.
He added: “Every day that the UK government and others spend on these failed, damaging and anti-climate policies is another day that has been wasted. The longer that action is delayed the more extensive it will have to be.”
Friends of the Earth (FoE) Scotland said the UK Government’s climate compatibility checkpoints are a “worthless charade”.
Campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “It is a deeply cynical attempt to provide cover for reckless plans to expand the very industry that is fuelling both the climate and the cost of living crises”
She added: “By encouraging greedy fossil fuel companies to keep looking for more fossil fuels, the UK Government is denying the reality of the climate emergency. It is sticking two fingers up to climate scientists and energy experts who have made it clear that there should be no new oil and gas if we are to remain within agreed climate limits.
“Instead of new fossil fuels, we urgently need a transition to an energy system powered by renewables, and a mass rollout of energy efficiency measures to reduce energy demand.
"With the cost of living skyrocketing due to the volatile prices of oil and gas, it’s obvious that our current energy system is completely unfit for purpose, serving only to make oil company bosses and shareholders richer while everyone else loses out.”
Aitchison also said the UK Government “doesn’t care” about the impact of its decisions on the rest of the world, particularly in the Global South, where the ramifications of global warming are already being felt.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the climate minister said: “Actually it’s good for the environment because when we burn our own gas it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas… as well as supporting British jobs.
“Our development is not going to affect our usage, our usage is determined by the framework of the Climate Change Act and the independent Climate Change Committee which informs Government policy.
“So you really can be assured that it’s actually – I know it sounds contradictory – but it’s actually good for the environment that we are going to produce more of our gas and oil at home.”
Licences are being made available for sectors of the North Sea – known as blocks – with the NSTA estimating more than 100 may be granted.
Companies are being urged to apply for licences covering areas to the west of Shetland, in the northern North Sea, the central North Sea, the southern North Sea and east Irish Sea.
However, the FM said there has to be a transition away from oil and gas and accused the UK Government of “haphazard planning” over energy.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast ahead of the SNP’s party conference in Aberdeen on Friday, she said: “In terms of new licences, I’ve been very clear that within the context of that just transition, we’ve got to subject any decisions about further exploitation of oil and gas to the most stringent climate checks.
“I worry right now that what we’re hearing from the UK Government is just a continuation of their haphazard planning about energy.
“In the long term, what they’re doing is undermining energy security, rather than strengthening it, because energy security, it’s difficult, it’s challenging, but the route to energy security is to secure that transition away from fossil fuels to renewables.”
Scottish Greens energy and environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said that the move was a “brutal slap in the face” to anyone concerned about climate change.
He added: “If this kind of climate vandalism is allowed to go ahead it will spark more scenes of misery and devastation in those areas already dealing with the impacts, and is tantamount to a death sentence for tens of thousands of others.
“We can’t drill our way out of this crisis. Even trying to is totally incompatible with our international obligations. We need to be planning for a future beyond oil and gas, not doubling down on it. That means halting all new drilling and investing in a just transition to renewables.”
Ruskell added that the climate crisis is the “biggest challenge facing this generation” and called on the UK Government to take the issue seriously.
He added: “Every day that the UK government and others spend on these failed, damaging and anti-climate policies is another day that has been wasted. The longer that action is delayed the more extensive it will have to be.”
Friends of the Earth (FoE) Scotland said the UK Government’s climate compatibility checkpoints are a “worthless charade”.
Campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “It is a deeply cynical attempt to provide cover for reckless plans to expand the very industry that is fuelling both the climate and the cost of living crises”
She added: “By encouraging greedy fossil fuel companies to keep looking for more fossil fuels, the UK Government is denying the reality of the climate emergency. It is sticking two fingers up to climate scientists and energy experts who have made it clear that there should be no new oil and gas if we are to remain within agreed climate limits.
“Instead of new fossil fuels, we urgently need a transition to an energy system powered by renewables, and a mass rollout of energy efficiency measures to reduce energy demand.
"With the cost of living skyrocketing due to the volatile prices of oil and gas, it’s obvious that our current energy system is completely unfit for purpose, serving only to make oil company bosses and shareholders richer while everyone else loses out.”
Aitchison also said the UK Government “doesn’t care” about the impact of its decisions on the rest of the world, particularly in the Global South, where the ramifications of global warming are already being felt.
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