A group of 432 scientists is strongly critical of the decision of the Dutch government to allow gas extraction in the North Sea near Schiermonnikoog. The discovery of new gas fields in an open letter (.pdf) contradicts the climate ambition of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Earlier this month, Minister of Economic Affairs Vijlbrief made a decision about the exploitation of a gas field north of Schiermonnikoog. Gas is produced here together with Germany. The first gas is expected to be brought to Earth via the pipeline from 2024.
According to the ministry, new natural gas reserves contribute to a more sustainable energy supply. The scientists signing the letter do not follow this logic: “For example, the latest IPCC report warns that projected emissions over the lifetime of existing and planned fossil fuel infrastructure will take us outside the 1.5 degree lens anyway.
“Junkie wants his last chance”
They urged the government to “immediately stop allowing new infrastructure for the extraction of fossil fuels” and “take the climate crisis seriously”.
One of the signatories, Han Dolman, director of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Naval Research (NIOZ): “If we start drilling in the North Sea now, it means that we cannot get rid of our dependence on fossil fuels. “It’s like a junkie saying, ‘I want to go to rehab, but please give me one last chance,'” he said. NOS Radio 1 NewsI
He points out that the cabinet is on the wrong track to see North Sea gas as an alternative to Russian gas. “It’s not about using the same amount of gas, but how to reduce it. Now we have to focus on renewable energy sources and use less means of transport.”
Letter to the cabinet
In addition to Dolman, the letter was signed by Bart van den Hurk, professor of water and climate risk at VU Amsterdam and Susan Steele-Dunne, professor of hydrology at TU Delft.
“Scientists aren’t the most militant group, so it’s unique that so many scientists have signed up in such a short time,” Dolman said. “It shows that famous people are very concerned about the climate crisis.”
The letter will be delivered today to Minister Vijlbrief of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Climate and Energy Jetten.
Source: NOS
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