Oil, Gas and Concrete
Power, short-term thinking and long-term consequences
Rishi Sunak announces hundreds of new oil and gas licences
Grand Shapps is Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK government. Today he posted on X/Twitter the following post.
July was the hottest month since the beginning of civilisation due to fossil fuel burning. However, despite the urgency to transition to cleaner energy sources, the UK government is prepared to issue 100 new licenses for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.
The UK has been committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. It has signed the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with a target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. It has endorsed the IPCC conclusion that if the world burns all fossil fuels it already has access to, then the global temperature rise will exceed 1.5°C. Nothing of the above appears to matter to this government.Â
No matter whether this policy will take us even closer to a climate breakdown and cause more suffering … The government's priority seems to be maintaining political power rather than addressing the urgent need for climate action.
The UK government and governments around the world should focus on supporting the development and implementation of renewable energy projects. This transition would not only contribute to global efforts to combat climate change but also create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the renewable energy sector.
Building on SandÂ
Greece, like many other countries, is already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change. The rising temperatures and subsequent fires have wreaked havoc on the country's natural resources and its economy, particularly the tourism industry. The Cyclades, a popular tourist destination, have not been spared from these impacts. However, despite these challenges, there is little indication of a change in perspective towards a more sustainable future.
According to an article in the German magazine Des Spiegel, a staggering 2.1 million square meters of concrete have been approved to be built in the Cyclades since 2011.
This rampant development poses a significant threat to the islands, both environmentally and economically. Tourism has a significant impact on the environment. The fragile ecosystem of the region is at risk of irreversible damage.Â
It may sound like hyperbole, but the islands will sink from over-construction and the hordes of tourists.