UK North Sea drilling push risks global climate goals, experts warn

Plans to open new oil and gas fields in the North Sea could undermine global climate targets and weaken international trust, senior climate experts warned, according to a report published by The Guardian on Wednesday.

The UK government faces mounting pressure from industry groups, political figures, and some unions to approve new drilling projects despite evidence that they would have minimal impact on energy prices or import dependence, the daily reported.

Two of the largest undeveloped fields, Rosebank and Jackdaw, would replace only a small share of UK gas imports — about 1% and 2%, respectively — raising questions about their economic and strategic value, according to research cited by the outlet.

Experts warned that the broader consequences could be far more significant. Expanding fossil fuel extraction in a country seen as a climate leader risks encouraging similar moves in developing nations and could slow global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Nicholas Stern, a climate economist at the London School of Economics, said that new drilling would damage both economic growth and energy security while sending a harmful signal internationally.

“The UK has been a pioneer in climate action, as the first G7 country to commit to net zero by 2050, through its exemplary climate change legislation, and through its work in international institutions and interactions.

“Its example matters. Because it has been a pioneer and a leader, the world takes notice of the UK’s actions,” he said.

International reaction has also been critical. An African climate negotiator, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, said that expanding drilling would contradict the goals of the Paris Agreement and erode trust with climate-vulnerable countries.

Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief, also said that turning to fossil fuels for energy security risks locking countries into outdated systems instead of accelerating clean energy transitions.

The UK has supported global efforts to phase out fossil fuels, including an upcoming conference in Colombia. However, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is not expected to attend, with the government’s climate envoy representing the country instead.