Emissions
The UK has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The evidence shows that achieving this depends on reducing demand for fossil fuels over time.
It also raises important questions about where the oil and gas Britain still needs is produced and the emissions associated with different sources of supply, as this section explains.
1
Are new North Sea projects compatible with net zero?
Under the Government’s own forecasts, the UK will still need oil and gas at net zero. It is only sensible this is met wherever possible by North Sea production.
2
Will stopping UK production reduce global emissions?
Emissions fall when demand falls. Cutting UK supply alone risks shifting production overseas instead.
3
Is UK oil and gas cleaner than imports?
Some imports are cleaner than UK production, but others have a substantially higher carbon footprint.