One Planet News: Politicians are lying to you about fossil fuels
If you think that additional drilling in the North Sea is a solution to rising energy costs, you are wrong.
By Annette J Beveridge
Our politicians lie to us. That's a fact.
We might forgive some mistruths and even, understand why politicians are unable to reveal all facts regarding certain issues, but when it comes down to the health of this planet, our health, nature and the environment, a lie about the so-called benefits of drilling for oil is unforgivable.
This morning, weighed down by a headache, and feeling a bit down about world affairs, I tried to distract my attention to other things and started scrolling through social media. Yes, that was a mistake.
I saw post after post on X where people were advocating the UK re-opening the exploration of the North Sea so to produce more of our own oil. When I traced back to the root of the misinformation, I saw political posts from those who are supposed to protect this country.
Now I understand some people don't realise the process and system of oil exploration, so I want to clarify to make it simple.
Why fossil fuels are bad news
Crude oil (the stuff we drill) is formed over millions of years. It is formed from the remains of plankton and algae - tiny marine organisms. It is eventually transformed into the oil we think of today.
Fossil fuels have been a signifiant part of the UK’s industrial history. Taking crude oil or coal from deep within the earth might have seemed a good idea back then but we now know it is not.
Fossil fuels are a cause of air pollution and climate change. They are linked to ecosystem damage and economic instability.
Environmental damage
I will explain why politicians are lying but let’s clarify why drilling for oil is bad. If we opened up new oil field exploration, we risk damaging vital habitat - further. There is also the risk of oil spills which would be devastating to sea life and birds.
There seems to be an almost nostalgic air about fossil fuels and coal mines. But many people died mining and coal mines led to land subsidence and waterways being contaminated. There is nothing nostalgic or glamorous about that.
You will hear politicians talk about coal being a natural resource and it is true that it was formed from ancient plants buried under layers of sediment over millions of years.
The UK built whole economies on coal but there was nothing good about it. Mining disasters killed thousands of people and destroyed landscapes and contaminated soil.
In fact, coal actually produced more carbon dioxide than oil or natural gas so it was a hugely damaging fossil fuel.
Burning fossil fuels
Huge amounts of carbon dioxide is produced when burning fossil fuels and this leads to rising sea levels, extreme heatwaves, increased flooding risks and more significant storms.
As a result, the UK is already spending millions of pounds on flood defences, and coastal protections. It seems self-defeating doesn't it?
Marine life
We may not see the negative result of drilling in the North Sea but it is there all the same. I have mentioned oil spills, but there is also the risk of chemical discharge, and seabed disturbance from rigs and pipelines. We know that the noise from drilling impacts whales and dolphins too but other species such as cod have been affected due to habitat disruption and industrial pressures.
Methane leaks
During natural gas production, methane can be released through leaks during drilling, from abandoned wells and from pipes. Methane is worse than carbon dioxide in the short term.
Why do politicians lie?
There are many reasons why politicians lie but potentially, selective reasoning can be one factor. They may overstate fossil fuel benefits or indeed, make statements that are misleading due to economic, structural or political reasons. In other words, incentives and industry influence.
Fossil fuel companies lobby politicians. Political messaging may include donations, (significant ones) but will also emphasise economic growth, energy security, or jobs. They don't, however, talk about the serious damage to the environment, to health or to the impact on the climate. There are also very significant economical consequences.
Misleading statements
Politicians often talk about the costs of renewables and why fossil fuels are the solution. It is disingenuous to say the least. Gas from the UK is not for domestic use. It is sold on International markets. It is the Main Trading Hub that impacts prices here in the UK. So whatever we extract here, it is sold at International prices.
In fact, it is sold to whoever pays the most for it. So we can produce as much as we like but we, the consumers, still pay the global market price.
Our energy bills will not be cheaper.
Drilling
The UK Government could approve new oil fields today and if you were to believe some politicians, that should happen, but they are not thinking of what is best for this country. New oil fields would take between 10 and 20 years to produce anything remotely significant. By that time, we would have much cheaper alternatives i.e. renewables.
Money money money
Reform UK is one political party that strongly advocates for continued drilling and new oil fields in the North Sea. MP Richard Tice calls the drive to renewables “Net Stupid Zero”.
But using data from the UK Electoral Commission, Reform UK has received about £2.3 million relative to fossil fuels since the 2019 general election.
To clarify, this money has come from fossil-fuel interests, or polluting industries. The party has also received money from climate change deniers which says it all.
The real truth about fossil fuels
If you care about people, wildlife and the planet, you will call out this ridiculous rhetoric for drilling for more oil. We know that it is misleading, if not, an outrageous lie. We, the people, do not benefit from new oil fields unless you consider Government taxes or more jobs.
We must think about this country's future. Oil wells, and coal mines destroy precious habitats or leave them fragmented which is horrendous for ecosystems.
Wetlands are often drained for drilling purposes and forests are cut down for mining. Even migration routes can be impacted due to new infrastructure. Wildlife loses nesting grounds, and food resources.
When oil spills occur, many birds die as the waterproof coating on feathers is removed. Birds can also die due to poisoning or hypothermia.
Oil contaminates the eggs and larvae of fish and shellfish and marine mammals including whales and dolphins inhale toxic fumes.
It can lead to a catastrophic impact on whole ecosystems which can take many years to recover.
Climate change
There will be politicians who do not believe in climate change or who prefer not to consider the consequences. Like dinosaurs, they are stuck in the mud when it comes to change. But it is happening right now. From melting ice, to changing weather patterns, to coral bleaching and extinctions, it is all happening on our watch.
So when politicians tell you fossil fuels are the solution and will save you money, you now know what to say.
It goes onto the open market to the highest bidder and more profits for bosses and shares holders and more pollution for the enviroment