Government is committing “climate vandalism” by approving North Sea drilling, say Sheffield Greens
“This will have profound impacts for communities across Sheffield, leading to more extreme heat and flooding”
Sheffield Green Party councillors say the government is committing “climate vandalism” by approving drilling for gas in the North Sea.
Two Sheffield councillors have criticised the government's move to approve a licence to drill in the Jackdaw gasfield, which was announced on Wednesday, October 21.
The decision was made to support the country’s energy security and minimise the use of imported higher emission fuels, according to the energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government is taking a “pragmatic approach to the North Sea,” claiming that drilling would “help keep millions of homes warm this winter”.
Jackdaw has attracted a huge amount of backlash from climate activists because of its carbon emissions, with Friends of the Earth claiming it could distract the government from shifting to renewable energy.
However, the decision was expected due to lobbying from the fuel industry.
Councillor Marieanne Elliot, deputy chair of the communities, parks and leisure committee, said: “Giving Jackdaw the go-ahead is climate vandalism - it is not climate leadership.
“This decision will lead to more devastating events like the deadly heatwaves in the UK this summer and it places a heavy burden on future generations.
“It will not bring down bills. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that new North Sea oil and gas will not bring down fuel prices for our households because oil and gas are traded on international markets.
“The energy minister confirmed “it is important to be clear that this project does not have an impact on affordability and bills”.
“And the industry’s own assessment is that Jackdaw will create only 27 direct jobs.
“The only winners are the big oil companies. The fossil fuel lobbyists have clearly won over the Government at the expense of us all.
“The scientific, moral, social and economic case for keeping fossil fuels in the ground or under the sea and increasing renewables remains - so it is deeply disappointing to hear this decision.”
Campaigners point to the record heat, droughts and wildfires experienced this summer as evidence that the UK is already feeling the impacts of climate change.
Councillor Alexi Dimond, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate committee said: “National Government is actively undermining efforts to address the climate emergency, and prevent climate catastrophe, through this announcement to approve drilling for gas at Jackdaw.
“This will have profound impacts for communities across Sheffield, leading to more extreme heat and flooding, and will hit our poorest, most vulnerable and youngest residents hardest.
“What message is this sending to younger generations?” he asked.