Oil and gas ‘not the problem’ for climate, UK’s net-zero minister argues

Written by Adam Cadle

09/11/2013

Oil and gas are “not the problem” for the climate, but the carbon emissions arising from them are, UK net-zero minister Graham Stuart has said.

Speaking to MPs, Stuart said fossil fuel production was not driving climate change, but demand for fossil fuels was.

“I don’t think supply is the key driver – it is demand we need to focus on,” Stuart stated.

Earlier this week, in the King’s Speech, the Government set out plans for new oil and gas licensing in the North Sea, with opposition parties saying it ran contrary to the UK’s climate goals.

Stuart said the UK had “no problems” on climate policy and was leading the world.

“If you really care about climate change, the last country you need to worry about is the UK,” he told MPs. “We are not the problem, it’s encouraging others to follow us on the net-zero pathway, that is the biggest challenge.”

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