UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Leaked Memo - Climate Action
An FCO report leaked by Greenpeace reveals that UK officials intend to go ahead with risky plans to drill for oil beneath the Arctic sea despite saying that an “Arctic oil spill would be all but impossible to clear up.”
A secret FCO report on deep-water drilling in the Arctic has been obtained today by Greenpeace. In the report, it appears that the UK government has discounted environmental risks associated with Arctic drilling. Emails from government officials to Energy Minister Chris Huhne were also leaked.
The report describes the advantages of Arctic drilling. However, in order to exploit the potential resources, the UK would need to collaborate with Russia because “[it] has no jurisdiction in any part of the Arctic waters”. The benefits of the potential deal are increasing oil prices, better technology that will enhance productivity in the rough Arctic climate and the melting ice caps, which facilitate reaching previously inaccessible areas.
In one email a government official wrote to Mr. Huhne about the “landmark deal” between BP and Rosneft; a deal to drill for oil in the Arctic sea worth eight billion pounds. The official described the deal as a “merger of two stained reputations.”
The report’s authors consider a danger to the environment to be the most significant challenge and they note “the possibility of a Gulf of Mexico type event”.
The report shows that the impact of such an oil spill would be catastrophic due to the low temperatures and lack of sunlight in the Arctic region. In a separate email, a government official notes that “…it is difficult to get assistance in case of pollution problems in such areas, and near impossible to make good damage caused.”
The report argues that any deep-water drilling presents an “assortment of technical and environmentally-challenging operations”. These could range from subsea wells to gatherings of ocean plants that would jeopardize oil vessels’ stability. Also, the report states that exploration will be limited due to freezing temperatures, icebergs, and ice packs, which pose an ever-present danger. The remoteness of the vessels involved could create difficulties if problems occur.
Despite these reservations, the report's main concern is directed at the public opinion issue. Even though the commercial opportunities are promising, a “strong environmental campaign (likely to grow) means that the government will be drawn into the debate.” Immediately after raising this concern the report resumes its support of the program: “The oil companies will operate regardless, so the issue is how best to ensure the most responsible exploration.”
The report states that with the suspension of the US Arctic drilling plans, the potential collaboration with Russia would be lucrative to the UK. The cooperation could see the two countries overcome competitors such as Norway, Sweden, and Canada.
The authors said: “At what price can the UK risk losing business opportunities for the sake of environmental protection?” They suggest the UK “Weighs the potential business benefits against international criticism.”
Linke to the article in Climate Action