A judge has ruled in favor of Greenpeace, halting the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil projects due to climate concerns
Edinburgh: A judge has backed Greenpeace’s legal challenge against two oil fields. This decision affects the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects in the North Sea.
Greenpeace and Uplift argued that the UK Government acted unlawfully. They claimed the environmental assessments ignored emissions from burning the fuels.
The UK government approved Shell’s Jackdaw project in 2022. They also cleared plans for the Rosebank field in September 2023.
Lord Ericht ruled that the consent for these projects was unlawful. He stated that the decisions should be reconsidered, taking emissions into account.
He emphasized the public interest in lawful decisions, especially regarding climate change. The impact of fossil fuels on climate is now recognized in law.
He ordered that no oil or gas should be extracted until a new decision is made. This gives companies options on how to proceed.
Greenpeace’s Philip Evans called this a historic win. He said the age of ignoring climate impacts is over.
Tessa Khan from Uplift noted that Rosebank cannot proceed without considering its climate harm. She highlighted the link between fossil fuels and extreme weather events.
A Shell spokesperson urged the government to act quickly. They stressed the importance of the Jackdaw project for UK energy needs.
Equinor welcomed the ruling, stating it allows progress on the Rosebank project. They emphasized its significance for the UK economy.
The government is revising environmental guidance to include emissions from burning oil and gas. They aim to support industry while meeting climate obligations.
