· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on BBC or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The UK Supreme Court ruled that Surrey County Council should have considered the full climate impact, including downstream emissions, of burning oil from new wells in a landmark decision affecting future oil and gas projects
🔭 The context: Traditionally, planning laws considered only the emissions from constructing wells, not the use of the final oil products
• This case, brought by Sarah Finch and campaigners against the Horse Hill oil well, challenges that assumption
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This ruling sets a precedent that could significantly impact new fossil fuel projects, ensuring that their full environmental impact, including emissions from oil use, is considered, which is crucial for meeting climate targets
⏭️ What's next: Companies will need to account for downstream emissions in future project plans
• This ruling may influence ongoing legal challenges to other projects, such as the Rosebank oil field and the proposed coal mine in Cumbria
💬 One quote: “I am absolutely over the moon to have won this important case," said Sarah Finch, representing Weald Action Group
📈 One stat: The six wells at Horse Hill are expected to produce 3.3 million tonnes of crude oil over 20 years, which would generate over 10 million tonnes of CO2 when burned
Click for more news covering the latest on oil & gas
