New Research Reveals Alarming CO2 Emissions from North Sea Drilling

Recent research by the campaigning group Uplift reveals that potential new oil and gas fields in the North Sea could emit as much carbon dioxide as the entire UK household sector produces over 30 years, The Guardian reported yesterday.

This finding comes as dozens of small fields have received early-stage licenses from the UK government, raising concerns about their environmental impact.

The study estimates that these licensed sites could release approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 if fully developed, equivalent to the annual emissions of 28 million UK households. This has prompted calls for the government to reject final permits for fossil fuel producers, despite existing licenses.

Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, criticized the government’s approach, stating, “While household emissions are decreasing, the oil and gas industry is allowed to generate massive emissions.” The government has pledged not to issue new licenses for oil and gas exploration but has not revoked existing ones.

Industry representatives argue that limiting production threatens jobs and economic stability in the North Sea. As the UK government navigates its energy transition, the debate over fossil fuel extraction versus climate commitments intensifies, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable energy strategy.