The fight against the UK’s largest undeveloped oil field, Rosebank, has reached a pivotal moment: the Scottish Court has ruled that its approval by the previous UK government, was unlawful. This landmark decision is not just a legal victory—it’s a significant step in the fight for a sustainable future, setting a powerful precedent for ending new oil and gas developments.
What does it mean for the climate movement?
The court recognised that the significant emissions from burning Rosebank’s oil should have been considered in its approval process. Now, if oil giants Equinor and Ithaca Energy still want to move forward, they must submit a new application that accounts for scope 3 emissions in their environmental impact assessment - a huge change in process resulting from the landmark Sarah Finch case in the Supreme Court. Until then, no oil can be extracted from the field.
The ruling highlights the public interest in lawful decision-making and climate action over private profits. This emphasises the growing recognition that fossil fuel expansion is incompatible with a liveable climate.
How this success came about
This success didn’t happen in isolation - it was the result of relentless campaigning by environmental groups, activists, and dedicated individuals, including Climate Reality Leaders in the UK.
For almost two years, Climate Reality Leaders played an active role in mobilizing public opposition to Rosebank. Their contributions included:
Signing petitions and mobilizing supporters to raise awareness and increase pressure on decision-makers.
Participating in marches and protests, showing public resistance against fossil fuel expansion.
Officially supporting an open letter to the UK Prime Minister, urging the government to reject Rosebank’s approval.
Inviting prominent #StopRosebank campaigners, Tori Tsui, Lauren MacDonald to speak at Climate Reality UK events.
Engaging with MPs and local representatives, ensuring the voices of citizens concerned about climate impacts were heard at the highest levels.
Versha Jones, the Climate Reality Volunteer Coordinator for the UK, emphasized the importance of teamwork in this campaign: “In addition to my role as National Volunteer Coordinator, I am closely involved with the #StopRosebank campaign, fully in the spirit of the four Climate Reality focus areas. Now is the time for climate education and awareness groups and organisations to work together. Climate Reality Leaders in the UK have played an active role in the campaign by writing letters to politicians, attending marches, signing petitions, sharing social media, following progress and showing support at Climate Reality Team UK events. However, the pressure must continue until the project is stopped for good.”
What’s next?
This court ruling is a huge step forward, however, the government has yet to make a final decision on Rosebank. The oil & gas consultation ending in spring 2025 will determine its fate. Public opposition must continue to ensure the government rejects Rosebank once and for all.
You can help by:
Spreading the word - share this victory and why stopping Rosebank matters.
Signing up for the No New Oil & Gas MP Action Week to pressure MPs to reject Rosebank (learn more here)
Participating in future consultations, ensuring public input prioritizes climate science over fossil fuel profits - follow the Rosebank campaign to stay up to date (link)
This ruling against Rosebank shows that legal challenges, grassroots activism, and public pressure can bring real change. Climate Reality Leaders, working alongside the Stop Rosebank coalition, have demonstrated the power of coordinated climate action. Now, the focus shifts to ensuring this victory leads to a lasting policy shift - one that prioritizes people and the planet over fossil fuel profits.
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