Sheffield Greens warn of heat and flood risks after North Sea drilling approval

Sheffield Green Party councillors have criticised the government’s approval of drilling at the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, warning of consequences for communities across the city.

The licence decision, announced on Wednesday 21 October, amounts to “climate vandalism”, according to councillor Marieanne Elliot, deputy chair of the communities, parks and leisure committee, Sheffield Star reports.

Councillor Alexi Dimond, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate committee, said the approval undermined efforts to address the climate emergency. He warned that its effects would fall hardest on Sheffield’s poorest, most vulnerable and youngest residents.

“This will have profound impacts for communities across Sheffield, leading to more extreme heat and flooding, and will hit our poorest, most vulnerable and youngest residents hardest.”

Elliot linked the decision to the risk of further events like the deadly heatwaves experienced in the UK this summer, saying it placed a heavy burden on future generations.

Energy security and household bills

Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the decision was intended to support the country’s energy security and minimise the use of imported fuels with higher emissions. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said drilling would “help keep millions of homes warm this winter”.

Elliot disputed any benefit for household bills, arguing that oil and gas prices are set on international markets. She said the industry’s own assessment was that Jackdaw would create only 27 direct jobs, and called for fossil fuels to remain in the ground or under the sea while renewable energy increased.

Friends of the Earth has also criticised the project over its carbon emissions, arguing that it could distract the government from the shift to renewable energy.

Source: Sheffield Star