Daily Current Affairs : 22-August-2023
The recent announcement by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supporting new fossil fuel drilling off the coast of Britain has ignited a heated debate. While proponents argue that this move will enhance the country’s energy independence, it has raised significant concerns among environmental experts. This essay delves into the decision’s background, the history of drilling in the North Sea, and the pressing concerns surrounding offshore drilling.
The Quest for Energy Independence
One of the central arguments in favor of the government’s decision is the aspiration to make Britain more energy independent. This goal is based on the premise that by tapping into domestic fossil fuel reserves, the UK can reduce its reliance on foreign sources of energy. To achieve this, the North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA), responsible for regulating the oil, gas, and carbon storage industries, is set to award over 100 new drilling licenses in the coming autumn.
A Historical Perspective
Geographical Significance: The North Sea, located between England and Scotland to the west, and countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Norway, Denmark, and Germany to the south and east, has long been a hotspot for drilling activities.
Legislation and Exploration: The 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf was a pivotal moment in the history of drilling in the North Sea. It established the rights of nations over their continental shelves and paved the way for exploration. The UK Parliament’s passage of the Continental Shelf Act shortly after the convention’s implementation solidified the nation’s jurisdiction over oil and gas resources beneath its seabed.
The BP Era: In 1964, British Petroleum (BP) secured the first exploration license in the UK North Sea. Over the next 15 years, BP initiated over 15 fields in the UK North Sea, marking the beginning of widespread drilling. This was soon followed by numerous British, European, and American companies, resulting in over a hundred installations by the 1980s.
Production Peaks and Declines: The North Sea’s production peaked in 1999, reaching 1,37,099 thousand tonnes of crude oil and natural gas liquids. However, by 2022, this figure had dwindled significantly to 38,037 thousand tonnes.
Concerns of Offshore Drilling
Global Warming and Climate Change: One of the most pressing concerns associated with offshore drilling is its contribution to global warming and climate change. Extracting fossil fuels from beneath the sea floor releases greenhouse gases, exacerbating the threat of climate change. Additionally, it contributes to the warming of oceans and the rise in sea levels, posing significant challenges to coastal communities.
Loss of Biodiversity: Offshore drilling poses direct threats to marine biodiversity. The extraction process disrupts habitats and ecosystems, potentially causing harm to marine life. Moreover, the release of carbon pollution into the oceans can lead to acidic waters, further endangering coral reefs, shellfish, and the overall marine ecosystem.
Important Points:
Background and Decision
- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supports new fossil fuel drilling off Britain’s coast.
- Debate arises over energy independence versus environmental concerns.
- North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) to award over 100 drilling licenses in the autumn.
Historical Perspective on North Sea Drilling
- The North Sea is strategically located between several European countries.
- The 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf paved the way for exploration.
- The UK Parliament’s Continental Shelf Act established the UK’s jurisdiction over seabed resources.
- British Petroleum (BP) obtained the first UK North Sea exploration license in 1964.
- Over 15 fields were started by BP, followed by numerous other companies in the 1980s.
- Peak production was in 1999, but by 2022, production had significantly declined.
Concerns of Offshore Drilling
- Global warming and climate change are exacerbated by offshore drilling.
- Extraction of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
- Offshore drilling also warms oceans and raises sea levels.
- Direct threats to marine biodiversity result from drilling, disrupting habitats and ecosystems.
- Carbon pollution in oceans leads to acidic waters, harming coral reefs, shellfish, and the marine ecosystem.
Why In News
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently threw his support behind new fossil fuel drilling off Britain’s coast, a move that has raised concerns among environmental experts. This decision comes at a critical juncture as the world grapples with the urgent need to combat irreversible climate change, further emphasizing the importance of transitioning towards sustainable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
MCQs about Offshore Drilling in the North Sea
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What is the primary reason behind the UK government’s support for new fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea?
A. To combat climate change
B. To reduce reliance on foreign energy sources
C. To protect marine biodiversity
D. To promote renewable energy
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What historic event paved the way for exploration in the North Sea?
A. The 1964 Continental Shelf Act
B. The UK’s discovery of oil in the North Sea
C. The formation of the North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA)
D. The signing of the Paris Climate Agreement
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Why is offshore drilling associated with concerns about climate change?
A. It leads to the preservation of marine ecosystems
B. It releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
C. It reduces sea levels
D. It promotes renewable energy sources
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What environmental issue is directly impacted by offshore drilling in the North Sea?
A. Desertification
B. Deforestation
C. Loss of biodiversity
D. Air pollution
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