· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Independent or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The UK government has chosen not to defend against judicial reviews for the Rosebank and Jackdaw offshore oil and gas projects, citing cost-saving reasons
• Despite this move, the licences for drilling at these sites remain intact
• Environmental groups have welcomed the decision, which aligns with a Supreme Court ruling mandating more thorough environmental assessments
🔭 The context: Rosebank, the UK's largest untapped oil field, was approved in September 2023 and could hold up to 300 million barrels of oil
• The Jackdaw gas field is located east of Aberdeen and is expected to begin production in 2025
• Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that his party will honor existing oil and gas licenses while opposing new ones
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Environmental campaigners argue that these projects could significantly increase carbon emissions and hinder the UK's climate goals
• The Supreme Court’s Finch ruling mandates that burning oil and gas must be factored into environmental assessments, highlighting the environmental risks of new fossil fuel developments
⏭️ What's next: The UK government plans to consult on new guidance that considers the Supreme Court ruling, ensuring that future oil and gas projects undergo rigorous environmental assessments
• This process aims to balance energy security, job protection, and environmental sustainability
💬 One quote: “These permits should never have been granted without being properly assessed for their impact on the climate,” said Mel Evans, UK climate team leader at Greenpeace
📈 One stat: In 2021, the oil and gas sector accounted for about 14% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, emitting approximately 20.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent
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