For the passionate intensity of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Greens was in evidence last week with the rumble of doom that accompanied the news that fresh areas of the North Sea will be opened up for exploration. This latest round of oil and gas exploration licences, the 32nd in 50 years, is the first since the UK government committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. WWF Scotland director Lang Banks condemned the decision as “totally irresponsible”, and warned it “undermines other efforts to tackle the climate emergency”. Exploration in the North Sea, along with other existing basins globally, means many undeveloped fields earmarked for drilling may never be required. The ageing basin, which has cut costs dramatically in recent years, offers a more attractive option for exploration investment.
Times 14th July 2019 read more »