Why new oil fields are bad news for the planet and how you can stop them

The world is facing a climate crisis that threatens the survival of many species and the well-being of millions of people. To avoid the worst impacts of global warming, we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. However, some governments are still authorising new oil and gas development, something which is completely incompatible with the need to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), approvals for new oil, gas or coal development should already be a thing of the past if the world is to slow global warming and achieve the Paris agreement target of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. 

Despite this, some countries are ignoring this warning and continuing to grant licences for companies to expand fossil fuel production. These decisions are irresponsible, locking in emissions way into the future.

Extracting oil and gas from new fields is harmful to the environment in many ways. It causes damage to animal habitats and disrupts migratory patterns. Pollution from spills kills animals and costs millions to clean up, and even when they aren't leaking oil, extraction sites are responsible for large methane leaks, causing massive short-term global warming. Add in the greenhouse gases released when these fossil fuels are burnt and you can clearly see the threat to millions of people as well as the existential threat to many other species. 

By driving climate change new oil fields are responsible for more frequent and more extreme weather events, and these heatwaves, floods and wildfires result in damage crops, infrastructure, and health, whilst also themselves contributing more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. 

Instead of authorising new extraction plans , governments need to focus on renewable energy, to deliver  cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable energy. Tied to schemes which reward energy efficiency and reduce overconsumption, governments can play a role in making a better future.

For the moment this seems like something which is proving to difficult for governments to do, either because of the large amount of funding providing to political parties by the oil companies, the use of lobbying to drive political agendas or the close ties to the mainstream media, which often has a vested interest in seeing extraction projects succeed.

Many country's governments are facing re-election in the next few years, only by taking the opportunity to support candidates and parties who will drive meaningful climate action, can you break the link between governments and fossil fuel companies. 

We have the power and the responsibility to make a difference. Let’s vote now for a better future.