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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Oceana UK has initiated legal action against the UK government for issuing North Sea oil and gas licenses without considering their environmental impact
• The group claims that the decision ignored advice from independent government experts regarding marine protected areas (MPAs)
🔭 The context: Between October 2023 and May 2024, 82 licenses were issued, covering 226 areas, a third of which overlap with MPAs
• Oceana alleges that the assessments provided by the government did not align with the experts' advice, rendering the decision unlawful
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Routine oil spills, toxic chemicals, and noise pollution from oil and gas activities in the North Sea pose significant threats to marine life
• Ignoring expert advice on the environmental impact of these licenses jeopardizes the health of marine ecosystems and contributes to climate change
⏭️ What's next: Oceana UK hopes the government will reconsider defending the legal claim. If not, the charity is prepared to pursue the case to ensure the protection of marine habitats
💬 One quote: "This is a deliberate choice to unlawfully ignore expert advice and jeopardize our seas, climate and future," said Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK
📈 One stat: Over 2,000 oil spills have occurred in the North Sea since 2011, including 215 in marine protected areas
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