North Sea countries lag in aligning drilling policies with climate goals
None of the major North Sea oil and gas producers are set to halt drilling early enough to meet the global heating target, a stark discrepancy highlighted by a recent report.
Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark have not matched their fossil fuel extraction policies with their climate commitments.
- Norway and the UK are notably behind, with aggressive new oil and gas exploration that contradicts the Paris climate agreement's objectives.
- Denmark shows the most promise by setting a deadline for ending oil and gas production and leading international efforts to phase out fossil fuels.
Key quote:
"Failure to address these issues not only undermines international climate goals but also jeopardizes the liveability of our planet."
— Silje Ask Lundberg, Oil Change International
Why this matters:
North Sea oil drilling has been a significant part of Europe's energy strategy for decades, but it increasingly finds itself at the crossroads of economic interests and environmental concerns. As the world moves towards a more sustainable and low-carbon energy future, the role of North Sea oil drilling continues to evolve. The decisions made by countries in the region will not only impact their own energy landscapes and economies but also contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
“Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production: Derrick Z. Jackson.
