Why the New Oil & Gas Licences Are Killing the Climate—and Your Wallet
A “Pandering” Parade for Carbon‑Guzzling Corporations
Climate warriors say the UK is leaning into fossil fuels at the expense of the planet and the average Brit.
27 fresh licences for North Sea oil and gas have just hit the market—officially aimed at speeding up production, but critics argue that the move is all about rewarding the rich & big energy companies at the cost of energy security and cheaper bills.
Point‑by‑Point: What the Protestors Are Saying
- Greenpeace UK: “Voters care about warm homes and lower bills, but the government is giving the green light to Shell, BP and other heavy‑metal operators—things that won’t cut household costs but will line the pockets of the wealthy.”
- Green MP Caroline Lucas: “Opening dozens of new fossil licences is a climate crime. The oil and gas will mostly leave the UK for global markets, so there’s no boost to domestic energy security or to household energy bills.”
- Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU): “The government’s excuses for not insulating homes are a distraction. The only real fix is to curb consumption—via electric heat pumps, not new drilling.”
- NSTA Executive Stuart Payne: “Our job is to keep options open for security. But these licences were granted on the premise that production will start immediately—who’s that, really?”
Why the Sky Is Not the Only Thing That’s Rising
When climate scientists warn us that any new oil & gas is a step toward a 2 °C future, the Gov is…meh. We’re talking about a future that comes with higher bills, cold absences, and a planet that’s inching closer to a climate crisis we can’t afford.
The Frolic of Funding Fossil Fuels
Picture a government sitting in a plush chair, chucking a coal‑cutting licence to a fancy offshore rig. The oil is shipped elsewhere, the profits pile up, and you’re left staring at a price tag that’s actually skyrocketing.
Meanwhile, the energy‑intensive upgrade that would actually make homes cool—like electric heat pumps—remains out of budget or policy focus.
What We Can Do: Get Involved (And Make a Laugh)
Feel sick of this backward policy? Green people are party‑planning in court rooms and on Facebook pages. If you think you’ve got some ideas about climate or you simply want a bit of explanation, you can join the conversation.
And if you want real‑time updates on climate headlines: subscribe to get the latest on your device. Encourage others to do the same! It’s cheaper to be informed than to be left in the dark.
