Greenpeace claims North Sea oil extension has massive climate impact

A new analysis by Greenpeace Denmark claims that extending oil and gas extraction licenses in the North Sea from 2042 to 2050 would result in an additional 47 million tons of CO2 emissions. This figure is equivalent to Denmark’s total emissions for 1.4 years.

Greenpeace argues that the estimates provided by TotalEnergies to Danish authorities are significantly understated. According to the analysis, TotalEnergies’ calculations only account for emissions from the production process itself, omitting approximately 97 percent of the total climate impact—specifically the emissions generated when the oil and gas are eventually burned.

In a second scenario involving expanded extraction, Greenpeace estimates emissions could reach 90 million tons of CO2e. Christian Fromberg, political campaign leader for Greenpeace Denmark, criticized the government's consideration of the extension, suggesting the true environmental cost must be part of the public debate.