UK's energy and climate minister Graham Stuart consulted with BP on maximizing North Sea oil and gas extraction, highlighting a clash between profit motives and environmental commitments.
Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Graham Stuart, UK's energy and climate minister, discussed with BP the incentives needed for increased oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.
- The meeting occurred shortly after BP announced a record $28 billion profit, amidst high energy bills burdening households.
- This consultation raises concerns about the UK's commitment to climate goals and energy security, as experts challenge the compatibility of new fossil fuel production with net zero emissions.
Key quote:
"What’s really egregious, though, is the minister responding that ‘the money is there’ for profiteering oil giants at the same time as it’s just cut off vital support to millions of households who literally can’t afford to heat their homes."
— Tessa Khan, Uplift
Why this matters:
This article sheds light on the tension between economic interests and environmental responsibilities. It's crucial for understanding the complex dynamics at play in national energy policies, especially as they impact both climate change and the cost of living crisis affecting millions.
The Gulf of Mexico is littered with tens of thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells, and toothless regulation leaves climate warming gas emissions unchecked. Is the same true of the North Sea?
