UK Supreme Court requires environmental impact consideration for oil production permits near London airport
- The UK Supreme Court ruled that planners must take into account the environmental impact of oil produced near a London airport.
- This decision marks a victory for fossil fuel opponents advocating for greater consideration of environmental consequences.
- The ruling highlights the importance of environmental impact assessment in energy production projects.
Fossil fuel opponents achieved a significant win in the U.K. Supreme Court, which ruled that planners must consider greenhouse gas emissions from burning extracted oil. The court found the council's failure to assess the climate impact of the oil combustion unlawful. This decision marks a turning point in holding planning authorities accountable for considering climate effects. The victory reflects a trend of increasing climate-related court cases globally, with activists pushing for stronger climate action through legal means. The ruling has implications for future fossil fuel projects, emphasizing the need for thorough climate impact assessments. The company involved in the case plans to shift focus towards hydrogen storage in response to the ruling, indicating a broader industry trend away from oil and gas.