Britain approves new North Sea oil drilling in welcome news for the industry but not activists

abcnews.go.com:

Britain has given the go-ahead for a major oil and gas project in the North Sea, ignoring warnings from scientists and the United Nations that countries must stop developing new fossil fuel resources if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change

LONDON — Britain on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for a major oil and gas project in the North Sea, ignoring warnings from scientists and the United Nations that countries must stop developing new fossil fuel resources if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change.

The North Sea Transition Authority approved development of the Rosebank field, allowing owners Equinor and Ithaca Energy to move forward with the project about 130 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of the Shetland Islands. The authority is a U.K. regulator charged with both maximizing the economic benefits of Britain’s North Sea energy resources and helping the country meet its goals for reducing carbon emissions.

The decision comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government faces criticism for watering down its environmental commitments ahead of an election that is expected to take place next year. Sunak recently delayed a ban on gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles and proposed easing water quality rules for developers after expensive environmental programs proved unpopular with some voters.

The government argues that Britain needs projects like Rosebank to bolster domestic oil and gas production, control costs for consumers and provide “energy security” as the country makes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Caroline Lucas, the only Green Party member of the House of Commons, called the decision “morally obscene” at a time when the climate emergency is