Here is another Eco Fact designed to create a more balanced debate on the environment.
Eco Facts 7
UK Gas creates 21 kgCo2/boe.
Imported Gas creates 79 kgCo2/boe
(276% more Co2)
Points to discuss
It's easy with all the media coverage that organisations like #juststopoil peddle that UK oil and gas extraction is bad for the environment but it fails to acknowledge five key points.
- The environmental impact from UK extraction is small when compared to importing gas and oil.
- UK extractions have a world leading set of environmental standards that aren't mirrored around the world, so the 276% is assuming similar extraction standards but the real figure may be many times more.
- The inconvenient fact, whether we choose to accept it , oil and gas extraction is with us for at least 2 to 3 decades, the world is working towards reducing their usage but in reality they are an important part of the energy mix for the short term future.
- A large part of our imported oil and gas comes from countries with horrendous human rights records and we are funding these regimes.
- Currently the UK gas and oil industry creates 200,000 well paid jobs and over £200b to the UK economy, and this could be and should be far higher if more extraction licences were approved.
Research
https://www.nstauthority.co.uk/media/5tib5x4n/nsta-gas-import-fact-sheet.pdf
https://oeuk.org.uk/manifesto/
