Jackdaw flies in the face of climate science

The UK government’s decision by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero today to approve Jackdaw, a new North Sea gas field in the seas off Scotland flies in the face of climate science. Jackdaw will only provide 2% of the UK’s energy security over 10 years and make no difference to domestic bills. These are tied to the international gas market price and volatility in the Middle East and around the world.

The field was first approved in 2022 under the last Conservative government but was ruled unlawful last year by the Scottish courts, along with the huge Rosebank oil field, for failing to take into account its full impact on the climate. The UK government was required to do a complete assessment of the emissions and of their burning. Yet science tells us that no new oil and gas fields are compatible with safe climate limits. Current oil and gas reserves already go beyond what can safely be burnt. Instead, investment is needed in a just transition to a fossil-free future that has long-term well-paid jobs attached to them.

Anne Callaghan, SCIAF Advocacy and Campaigns Officer said:

“SCIAF believes the UK Government’s decision to approve the Jackdaw gas field is a cruel betrayal of the billions of people at the frontline of the climate emergency. Each gas field that gets approved tips the world further into disaster.

“Just look at the flash floods on the Nepal/Tibet border, the hunger in South Sudan as a result of failed crops and the wildfires which set Europe ablaze this summer. Even here in Scotland our Cairngorms were ravaged by deadly flames. This decision blows the UK’s climate leadership credibility up in smoke and won't do anything to cut bills or guarantee security of supply. SCIAF urges the UK Government to reverse this decision.

"The Rosebank oil field decision will come soon – and the fossil fuel industry will be pushing hard for this. It’s vital that Rosebank does not get the greenlight."