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UK government faces legal challenge from green peace.

 

North sea oil
Environmental group Greenpeace has started legal proceedings against the government in a bid to stop the awarding of more than 100 new licences to explore for oil and gas in the North Sea.

The campaign group said it had applied to the High Court for a judicial review of the decision in October to approve a new oil and gas licensing round, the first for nearly three years.
The UK is looking to increase its energy independence in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s weaponisation of its gas reserves. At the time it approved the latest licensing round, it argued that as part of that strategy it would need to exploit the «full potential of our North Sea assets».
Greenpeace said the issue of new oil and gas licences would «torpedo any hopes of keeping global temperature rises to 1.5C» — the main goal of the 2015 Paris climate accord.
Licensing rounds are designed to enable oil and gas companies to explore for hydrocarbons, but this latest process also includes permits for gas discoveries that are yet to be exploited and could be brought into production in as little as 12 to 18 months from the time of award.

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  1. Riana12 December 2022 at 12:04

    They both have a point. Greenpeace is right that this could torpedo the 1.5C temperature goal. The UK is right in trying to get the most out of the North Sea. I think the UK should be allowed to unlock that potential but only do it at a smaller rate than what was planned. And the Government must also work tirelessly and quickly on ways to replace oil and gas with greener alternatives.

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    1. Felicia12 December 2022 at 13:46

      I agree with your points. Neither is right all the way. We still need oil and gas for the time being and we also need a clean planet to live on. Your suggestions are sound.

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