By announcing a large number of new oil and gas licenses, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been criticized by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as a “dangerous radical” pursuing “moral and economic madness”. Sunak and Grant Shapps, the net zero secretary, argue that these licenses will enhance energy security, deliver affordable and clean energy to British homes and businesses, and safeguard energy bills. However, these claims are disputed. The UK is highly dependent on gas and has high energy bills, and using less gas would actually provide better energy security. Additionally, new UK fields would have a minimal impact on global oil and gas prices. The reliance on oil for generations is concerning, given the urgent need to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Major scientific bodies agree that new fossil fuel investments are incompatible with limiting global heating to 1.5C. Instead, the UK government should focus on renewable energy sources like onshore wind, home energy efficiency, and heat pumps to reduce emissions and costs. Labour’s plans, including ending new oil and gas licenses, would decrease imported gas through increased renewables. Sunak’s support for carbon capture and storage facilities is insufficient compared to the potential of renewable energy. Staying hooked on gas could be more costly than achieving net zero emissions. The government’s focus on attacking political opponents rather than prioritizing net zero goals and climate action is concerning. The decision to issue new licenses will harm the UK’s international reputation as a climate leader and empower petrostates to resist climate action. However, even if Sunak is uninterested in the climate crisis, he should consider the advice of other Conservatives who argue for more investment in clean and affordable power to reduce vulnerability to volatile global market prices. In summary, Sunak’s decision on new oil and gas licenses is seen as misguided and against the goals of addressing climate change.
Controversial: Sunak’s Decision to Grant New Oil and Gas Licences Criticized as ‘Morally and Economically Insane’
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