Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change North Sea Oil & Gas Is Dying, What Comes Next? | Ep218: Tessa Khan
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Jul 23, 2025 Tessa Khan, the founder and director of Uplift, challenges the oil and gas industry's grip on UK energy policy. She discusses the myths around North Sea drilling and the actual impact on energy prices. Tessa highlights the potential for the UK to lead in renewable energy while addressing the need for workforce transitions from fossil fuels. With a focus on advocacy, she underlines the importance of public engagement in climate policy amid political shifts. Tessa offers compelling insights into the urgency for a just transition to sustainable energy.
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Tessa Khan's Career Shift
- Tessa Khan shifted from corporate law to human rights and climate law after working at a war crimes tribunal.
- She founded Uplift to combat oil and gas lobby influence and promote UK transition away from fossil fuels.
Oil Industry's Political Power
- The oil and gas industry shapes climate policy and demand through extensive lobbying.
- Fossil fuel supply must be limited to meet climate goals or risk stranded assets and overshoot.
UK’s Case for Oil Phase-Out
- UK is ideal for leading fossil fuel phase-out due to declining North Sea oil's minimal GDP impact.
- UK's fiscal benefits from oil & gas are low due to favorable tax regime and declining production.