Environment Report 2015

Potential Environmental Impacts Atmospheric emissions have several potential environmental impacts. Releasing ozone depleting substances (ODS) such as halons can cause stratospheric ozone depletion. and VOCs in the atmosphere can cause ground level ozone formation, while SO x and x releases may result in acidification. The potential impact of ozone formation and acidification is mitigated by the geographical location of most offshore installations, which are hundreds of kilometres from the coastline and human populations. It is generally accepted that GHG emissions are contributing to anthropogenic global climate change. GHG emissions stem from a number of sources such as hydrocarbon combustion, including those emissions generated through oil and gas operations. The global rise in GHG emissions has prompted calls to move to a lower carbon economy, a transition that must be achieved in a responsible manner. Everyday life depends heavily on ready access to affordable and reliable energy, as well as a variety of oil-derived products such as medicines, cosmetics, electronic equipment, plastics, fertilisers and cleaning products. In a world that is expected to experience increasing energy demand, it is evident that oil and gas has a key role to play even with rapid growth in renewables and improvements in efficiency. Most plausible estimates suggest that at least half of the world’s energy needs will continue to be met by oil and gas for the foreseeable future. Divestment from oil and gas is not the solution and will only make the challenge of meeting global energy demand all the greater. It is important to stress that the largest producers of oil and gas are not privately owned or listed; they are government-owned companies. In addition, many oil and gas exploration and production companies are broadening their remit to include renewables. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a joined-up global response. A shared responsibility exists for all companies, governments and citizens to consider the carbon intensity of products and services that are produced and consumed. Consideration should also be given to life cycle emissions associated with products and services. Exploration, production and transport of hydrocarbons make up a small percentage of overall oil and gas life cycle emissions – approximately nine per cent for oil and 16 per cent for gas. The offshore oil and gas industry continually strives to reduce emissions from operations by taking part in emissions trading schemes, implementing energy efficiency improvements and supply chain initiatives. Trials of new technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) are also being explored. NO The reaction between NO x

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The need to ensure equipment is maintained for safety and reliability reasons means that high levels of energy efficiency are sustained.

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