Fact Check: Research by Oil Change International found that the United States, Canada, Norway, and Australia are responsible for 70% of projected new oil and gas expansion from 2025 to 2035.

Fact Check: "Research by Oil Change International found that the United States, Canada, Norway, and Australia are responsible for 70% of projected new oil and gas expansion from 2025 to 2035."

What We Know

Recent analysis from Oil Change International indicates that four Global North countries—specifically the United States, Canada, Norway, and Australia—are projected to account for nearly 70% of new oil and gas expansion from 2025 to 2035. This report highlights that the U.S. alone is responsible for a significant portion of this expansion, with estimates suggesting it could account for approximately 58% of the carbon pollution associated with new oil and gas fields and fracking wells during this period. Collectively, these four countries are projected to contribute to about 19% of the remaining global carbon budget necessary to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, as outlined in the report titled Planet Wreckers published in September 2023 by Oil Change International (source-2, source-4).

Analysis

The claim that the United States, Canada, Norway, and Australia are responsible for 70% of projected new oil and gas expansion is substantiated by the findings of the Oil Change International report. The report is based on comprehensive data analysis and is positioned within the context of ongoing climate discussions, particularly ahead of significant events like the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit.

The credibility of Oil Change International as a source is bolstered by its focus on climate issues and its advocacy for sustainable energy practices. However, it is essential to consider that the organization has a clear environmental agenda, which may influence the framing of its findings. For instance, the report categorizes these nations as "Planet Wreckers," emphasizing their role in exacerbating climate change despite their economic capabilities to transition to cleaner energy sources (source-6, source-7).

Furthermore, corroborating reports from other environmental news outlets, such as Common Dreams, reinforce the findings of Oil Change International, indicating a consensus on the significant role these countries play in future oil and gas expansions. This cross-verification lends additional weight to the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that the United States, Canada, Norway, and Australia are responsible for 70% of projected new oil and gas expansion from 2025 to 2035 is True. The evidence presented in the Oil Change International report, along with supporting analyses from other credible sources, confirms this assertion. The data reflects a clear trend of significant fossil fuel expansion planned by these nations, which poses serious implications for global climate goals.

Sources

1. Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com
2. Planet Wreckers: How Countries' Oil and Gas Extraction Plans Risk ...
3. New data exposes Global North countries responsible for ...
4. Global North Countries Responsible for 70% of Oil and Gas Expansion: Report
5. OIL - Seuraa indeksiä Brent-öljy - Nordnet
6. 'Planet Wreckers': 4 Rich Nations Plotting Nearly 70% of New Oil and ...
7. Planet Wreckers: Top Global North Countries Responsible ...
8. Brent-öljyfutuurit Hinta - Investing.com