Topic: Impact and Safety of Deep Water Drilling
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Rachel Finkelstein
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United Kingdom position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
After the BP oil spill, the UK is aware of the dangers of offshore drilling. While understanding the risk the environmental risk being taken by offshore drilling, the United Kingdom is willing to drill, with caution in hopes of preparing the country for future economic stability.At this point in time there has been more onshore drilling within the UK. These new oil companies have brought a new demand for jobs in the struggling economy and a way to decrease dependence on foreign oil. At this point in time, the UK is the world’s fourteenth highest importer of oil, with offshore drilling; the number could be dramatically lowered.
The UK is part of the Oil Spill and Prevention Group, which has every part of the drilling and transporting process safer by looking at the issues at hand currently. This group looks at the issues and then works together in order to solve problems. The group also looks at the data found from other oil spills and using that information, they make the process of offshore drilling more efficient and safe.
The UK attended the OSPAR convention and helped to ratify it. At this convention, the countries were asked to give reports on effects on the water and environment. The UK has given their report and wants do as little harm as possible to disrupt the environment. The UK supports offshore drilling but believes that there is a need to monitor the platforms and continue to closely watch the effects that the rigs have on the environment.
