Countries around the world are facing similar problems, with El Niño also compounding these effects in some regions.
The reality is that no country can tackle climate change on its own.
COP31 gives countries the chance to work together to agree ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of a changing climate.
Decisions made at COP31 this year will help the UK and other countries to:
work towards agreed commitments on global warming – including limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C
move towards more clean, reliable energy and away from reliance on fossil fuels
adapt to and protect people from the effects of climate change, and improve our resilience to climate shocks
create jobs and economic opportunities through clean energy and electrification
What does COP31 mean for people in the UK?
Climate change is a global issue. It is in Britain’s national interest to work with other countries at COP31 to reduce global emissions.
This is the best way to protect British people from the effects of climate change in the long-term and preserve our way of life for future generations.
The move to clean energy can also create economic opportunities for Britain.
At COP31, the government will promote British expertise and clean energy technology. This can help other countries to move to clean energy and benefit British business.
Tackling climate change and using more clean energy will also bring energy bills down and reduce our exposure to volatile global fossil fuel markets.
What does the UK want to achieve at COP31?
The UK’s priority at COP31 is to uphold the Paris Agreement made in 2015 and keep countries working towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The UK set out its broader priorities for COP31 in Parliament.
We will work with other countries to:
Speed up the global shift to clean energy and electrification.
Spotlight the need for global action to curb methane emissions and other super-pollutants.
Push for progress to protect the critical ecosystems on which we rely, including forests and oceans. This also includes supporting more sustainable food and agriculture systems, move to a circular economy and responding to the risks that climate change and biodiversity loss pose to our national security.
Find ways to adapt to a changing climate. This includes encouraging more financial investment and improving access to and the quality of finance to help countries prepare for climate change. It also includes pushing for stronger practical action to build resilience.
Who will represent the UK at COP31?
The Prime Minister will attend COP31, alongside the Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband MP.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, will lead the UK delegation during the negotiations.
Other UK ministers in attendance are Minister for Climate Transition Katie White OBE MP, Marine and Fisheries Minister Stephen Morgan MP and The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby KC MP.
(NOTE: Scottish Government Climate Secretary Gillian Martin will also be in attendance – Ed.)
The UK also appoints special representatives to lead international diplomacy and handle specific global priorities. Rachel Kyte CMG, UK Special Representative for Climate, and Ruth Davis OBE, UK Special Representative for Nature, will attend COP31.
What is the UK doing to tackle climate change?
The UK has already cut its carbon emissions by 54% since 1990, while the economy has grown by around 85% in that time.
This has been achieved by moving towards cleaner sources of electricity like offshore and onshore wind, solar and nuclear.
The UK has also cut emissions from areas such as industry, transport and heating.
Examples of Britain’s progress include:
The UK was the first G7 country to stop using coal to produce electricity. The country’s last coal-fired power station, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, closed in September 2024
Electric vehicle sales are rising year-on-year, supported by government funding. Around 2 million electric vehicles are now registered on UK roads
Heat pump sales reached over 100,000 in 2025. There were also 269,000 solar panel installations in 2025 – the highest number recorded in a single year
In 2008, the UK became the first country to set legally binding limits on its carbon emissions through the Climate Change Act. These limits are known as carbon budgets. The UK has met its first 3 carbon budgets so far
The UK was the first major economy to establish a net zero target into law. Since 2008, 60 other countries have put in place their own climate laws
What is the UK doing to adapt to climate change?
The UK government is investing in measures to help the country adapt to the effects of a changing climate.
These include:
investing £10.5 billion for flood defences and combatting coastal erosion over the next decade
spending more than £7 billion on nature programmes across the country, including environmental farming schemes, tree planting and peatland restoration
improving and rebuilding school buildings to make them more resilient, including a £710 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme and almost £20 billion to rebuild over 750 schools
committing £97 million extra for firefighters this summer
providing funding for households to install air-to-air heat pumps, which can both heat and cool homes
ensuring that new residential buildings must be designed to reduce unwanted solar heat and allow excess heat to be removed
How does the UK help other countries to reduce their emissions and prepare for climate change?
The UK works with other countries to tackle climate change and nature loss and prepare for its effects.
We share our knowledge and expertise and offer investment for programmes which protect nature and strengthen the ability of countries, economies and communities to cope with shocks caused by climate change.
These investments are also essential for Britain’s long-term security and prosperity. For example, through reducing global reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring a resilient food supply, boosting exports and creating commercial opportunities for UK firms.
supported an estimated 159 million people to better adapt to the effects of climate change
helped to mobilise an estimated £26 billion in public and private finance combined
reduced or avoided an estimated 201 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions
ensured an estimated 21.5 million hectares of land are managed more sustainably
Our latest Climate Finance commitment, ICF4, pledges around £6 billion of Official Development Assistance (ODA) over the next 3 years, alongside £6.7 billion in public finance through UK-backed climate and nature-positive non-ODA investments, and an ambition to use our public finance to catalyse billions more from the private sector.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative has just launched a new share offer campaign to raise £1.13 million to install solar panels on public and community buildings in the city: generating clean electricity, keeping profits local, and giving everyone a chance to benefit from renewables.
The initiative will fund the installation of solar panels on 10 rooftop locations across Edinburgh, including the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool and five schools.
Edinburgh residents are invited to become members of the co-operative by investing in the scheme, with a projected annual interest rate of 5%. Investments can be from as little as £25, with the aim of making membership accessible to as many residents as possible.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op launched in 2015 and has already installed solar PV on 30 sites across the city, including the Council offices at Waverley Court, 17 schools and multiple leisure centres.
The co-op’s existing solar sites are estimated to have already saved more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂, as well as saving the council almost £850,000 on their energy bills by paying less for the electricity generated.
The organisation gives some of its profit each year to local charitable groups via the co-operative’s community benefit fund: so far more than £100,000 has been distributed to support youth projects, community groups, schools, parks and green spaces across Edinburgh.
Photography from: Colin Hattersley Photography –
Vicki Taylor, Chair of Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op, said: “This is an exciting next phase for our co-op, putting hundreds of community-owned solar panels on even more buildings across the city. Every installation generates more clean, green energy and helps reduce Edinburgh’s carbon emissions.
“Investing in Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op means keeping wealth in Edinburgh – generating returns that stay local and help fund community projects, rather than profits flowing elsewhere. It gives local people the opportunity to invest in something they care about, making community investment accessible to everyone.”
Photography from: Colin Hattersley Photography –
Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “Since its launch the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op has made savings in both energy costs and carbon emissions as well as giving back to valuable community projects.
“I’m delighted that the Council continues to be closely involved with the scheme, with solar panels set for more of our buildings, and I’d encourage anyone with an interest to take part themselves through the latest share offer.”
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op has received funding from CARES, the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, to develop the share offer. The scheme is also supported by Energy4All and DTAS’ Democratic Finance Scotland programme. Both organisations are working in partnership to help community-led organisations to use alternative methods of raising local finance to capture wealth locally.
You can find out more and apply to join the co-operative on Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op’s website at www.edinburghsolar.coop
Consultation on a household recycling code of practice
People across Scotland are being invited to have their say on proposals to make recycling easier and more consistent.
The Scottish Government consultation seeks views on a new household recycling code of practice, which also aims to increase recycling rates and help reduce carbon emissions.
Clear standards for how councils collect and manage household waste and recycling are part of the draft code, which proposes:
a move towards more households having collections of paper and card separately from plastic, metal and cartons to reduce recycling contamination
clear and consistent definitions of materials accepted for kerbside collection to provide clarity for the public on what can be recycled
limits on general waste capacity, to encourage greater use of recycling and food waste collections
nationally recommended colours for recycling bins to make it easier to understand how to recycle
Delivering a key commitment of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act, the code has been developed through extensive engagement with local authorities, waste management practitioners and environmental organisations. The consultation now gives communities, individuals and organisations across Scotland the chance to shape the final code before it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.
It also clarifies that flexible plastic and plastic films should also be collected from households. The consultation also seeks views on proposals developed with local authorities and stakeholders regarding how food and garden waste should be collected and how rural exemptions should apply.
Modelling suggests the code could increase Scotland’s household recycling rate by approximately 2.5% and reduce carbon emissions by around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 27,000 petrol cars.
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: “Recycling well shouldn’t depend on where you live. This code will help make sure it is easier for people right across Scotland, in both our cities and rural communities, to recycle more.
“We’ve worked closely with councils and stakeholders on these proposals and I am grateful to them for their constructive engagement to get us to this stage. However, it is clear that there’s more to get right before the code is finalised.
“I’d encourage everyone with a view, whether you’re a council, a community group or simply someone who wants to see Scotland recycle better, to take part in this consultation and help us shape the final code.”
Environmental campaigners have staged a “fossil fuels are scary” Halloween themed demonstration at the First Minister’s residence in Edinburgh today.
They said there were “no treats for John Swinney” and he was trying to “trick” people by saying his Government was prioritizing action on climate change while approving new fossil fuel projects.
Climate groups gathered outside Bute House in central Edinburgh to protest the Scottish Government decision this week to approve the building of a new gas power station at Peterhead which will burn fossil gas for the next 30 years.
The decision comes shortly after the UK Energy Secretary gave the green light to drilling gas from the Jackdaw field, despite admitting it will not reduce energy bills. The price of oil and gas is set by international energy markets so these decisions will leave UK households will be left at the mercy of fossil fuel companies for decades to come.
Burning of fossil fuels is the key driver of the extreme weather people are facing, such as the recent storms, record heat this summer and devastating events like the deadly floods in Nepal. Protestors said they were “terrified” about the impact of these decisions on the lives.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Kate Whitaker commented:“Fossil fuels are scary because of the harm they are already causing to millions of people. When politicians make disastrous decisions to approve new oil or gas, people get even more terrified about our collective future.
“We are at the First Minister’s residence but he is not getting any treats this year. His Government has chosen to put more people in more danger from extreme weather and is tricking people by trying to claim that new gas burning is somehow compatible with a safe energy future.”
“Giving the go ahead for a new fossil fuelled power plant at Peterhead is a catastrophic failure from the Scottish Government to protect people from both climate breakdown and the increasing burden of household energy bills.
“Politicians could instead help allay our fears by focusing on climate solutions that improve lives such as warmer homes, reliable bus services and creating green jobs.”
Scotland has cut the amount of household waste sent to landfill by more than 84% since 2011, according to new household waste statistics, published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The latest data show Scotland has continued to make significant progress in reducing its reliance on landfill, with the amount of household waste sent to landfill falling by a further 10.3% in 2025.
However, while the way Scotland manages household waste has changed dramatically over the last decade, progress in reducing the amount of waste generated and increasing the national recycling rate has been more limited.
In 2025, Scottish households generated 2.31 million tonnes of waste, a decrease of just 1,500 tonnes (0.1%) compared with 2024. Household waste generation remains 11% lower than in 2011, when the current time series began.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s household recycling rate fell from 44.3% in 2024 to 42.8% in 2025. While recycling rates have remained relatively stable over the last 15 years, the latest decrease underlines the ongoing challenge of encouraging households to recycle so that resources can be kept in use for longer.
Research previously carried out by Zero Waste Scotland found that around 52% of the material currently placed in Scotland’s general household waste bins could potentially be recycled. This includes everyday items such as food waste, paper, cardboard and plastic.
With recycling rates flat and landfilling reducing, incineration of household waste increased by 5.7% (49,000 tonnes) in 2025. Incineration is used to manage residual wastes placed in general bins and not separated for recycling.
Taken together, the figures paint a mixed picture of Scotland’s progress towards a circular economy. Significant reductions in landfill and increases in incineration demonstrate how waste management is evolving, but the latest figures also show there remains considerable scope to further reduce waste and increase recycling rates.
As the Circular Economy & Waste Route Map sets out, the Scottish Government has various actions underway seeking to increase recycling and divert recyclable material from general household waste, including the deposit return scheme, packaging extended producer responsibility and the forthcoming recycling Code of Practice.
Dr Richard Allan, SEPA’s Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “There has been a major shift over the last 15 years in the way household waste is being managed and disposed of across the country.
“Waste headed to landfill has fallen significantly by 84% since 2011, representing a significant achievement and demonstrating what can be achieved when households, local authorities, government and businesses work towards a shared goal.
“At the same time, however, the figures highlight an ongoing challenge. While landfill waste continues to fall and the amount of household waste we generate has decreased slightly, recycling rates have broadly stayed the same over the last eight years.
“This poses a serious question as to how Scotland can realise its circular economy ambitions. It’s clear that where waste ends up is important, but we need to focus on preventing waste in the first place and recycling more of that material when it is produced.
“We know there is still considerable untapped potential, outlined by the Zero Waste Scotland research showing much more of our general waste bins could potentially be recycled. That includes many everyday items we all use and consume like food waste, paper, cardboard and plastics.
“If we can place further emphasis on ensuring these items are disposed of correctly, it will help reduce environmental impacts, move closer towards a sustainable future and reap the environmental, economic and societal benefits that come with it.”
The total quantity of all waste types landfilled in Scotland in 2025 was 1.58 million tonnes, a reduction of 230,000 tonnes (12.7%) compared with 2024. This is the lowest record amount of waste landfilled in Scotland.
Much of this reduction was due to decreases in sorting residues, which fell by 216,000 tonnes (38.5%), and construction wastes, which fell by 15,000 tonnes (34.2%).
Waste incinerated in Scotland
Overall, 1.84 million tonnes of waste from all sources was incinerated in Scotland during 2025, a slight decrease of 1.1% from the previous year.
Despite this year-on-year reduction, the quantity of waste incinerated remains substantially higher than in 2011, having increased by 1.44 million tonnes (363%) over the period.
Household and similar wastes remained the largest waste category incinerated in Scotland, accounting for 857,000 tonnes, or 46.5% of all waste incinerated.
Imagine a neighbourhood where fruit trees grow just around the corner, blossom brightens the streets in spring, and you can pick an apple on your way home.
We think everyone should have the chance to enjoy the simple things trees bring to our everyday lives – fresh air, birdsong, and a little more greenery right outside our doors.
Through our Canopy Communities project, we’re working with local communities to bring more trees to neighbourhoods across Edinburgh.
Do you live in Granton, Muirhouse, The Calders, Gracemount or Broomhouse?
You can suggest a spot for a new tree or get involved in caring for trees in your area – just get in touch with us at thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk
Communities across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change and nature loss
UK Government holds a world-first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce meeting to better prepare for the impacts of climate change and nature loss
Leading experts from across security, military, academia and industry join forces to assess risks and find solutions to the climate and nature threats to national security
Following the UK’s hottest summer on record, and the world bracing for the impacts of a super El Niño, government takes action to protect communities and families
COMMUNITIES across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change, as the world’s first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce met for the first time this week.
The taskforce will make independent recommendations to help shape government’s approach to tackling national and international climate security challenges, and to help ensure Britain can best prepare itself for the climate crisis.
The Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, will chair the inaugural meeting, alongside Baroness Fiona Twycross. The taskforce brings together experts from across the fields of climate, nature and security to assess the UK’s readiness for security challenges created by climate change and nature loss – including General Richard Nugee, Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group and Rosie Hails, Director of Science for the National Trust.
The taskforce will establish the most significant climate and nature security risks facing the UK and define a clear vision for a more climate- and nature-secure UK. This comes as the UK has experienced a series of extreme weather events over the past year, including record-breaking heatwaves, severe drought conditions, wildfires and rising flood risks.
Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, said: “This summer, we saw homes destroyed, families evacuated and huge stretches of our British countryside scorched by wildfires. Climate change isn’t some distant problem to worry about tomorrow, it’s happening right now.
“National security starts at home, protecting the people and places we love. That’s why our new taskforce brings together some of Britain’s best minds, from military leaders to climate scientists and security experts, to get ahead of these threats, take greater control of our future and make Britain stronger, safer and ready for whatever comes next.”
General Richard Nugee said: “The ministerial taskforce is a significant step forward.
“It offers the opportunity for real change to be proposed and delivered to ensure that this country is more resilient to the shocks from nature loss and climate change that are likely to occur in the future.”
Erin Sikorsky, Director at the Centre for Climate Risks and Security, said: “This summer’s heatwaves and wildfires made clear that climate change is already a security problem.
“The question now is how to prepare, prevent, and adapt going forward. I commend the UK government for taking that question seriously, and I’m honoured to join the taskforce to identify recommendations for the climate resilience and security investments the UK and its partners need.”
The impacts of climate change stretch to almost every corner of Britain’s way of life – from migration to energy systems, supply chains and financial stability – and this taskforce will boost the UK’s preparedness for these security challenges.
The taskforce – formally titled the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss Taskforce – has a clear set of objectives:
identify key gaps and help prioritise the most significant climate- and nature-related risks to UK national and international security and resilience, ensuring existing evidence is translated into clear, actionable policy priorities
review and challenge work on security and resilience in response to global climate change impacts and nature loss and make recommendations to improve the UK’s preparedness and response to these threats
identify and recommend opportunities and areas of focus in addressing climate and nature-related security risks, including where the UK can strengthen resilience, secure advantage and shape outcomes internationally
support the development of an actionable UK approach to climate and nature security by clearly defining gaps and opportunities and providing recommendations to enhance preparedness, resilience and international influence.
A Scottish-developed conservation tool to protect land-based animals and plants has been expanded to include marine species such as fish, dolphin, porpoise, sharks, skate and birds for the very first time.
Scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot created the low-cost tool for tracking the genetic diversity of wild species, which has traditionally been difficult and expensive to monitor.
It scores how well species threats are being managed, and the conservation actions in place, from the work of land managers to conservation efforts in botanic gardens and zoos.
First published in 2020, the scorecard has already given animals and plants a better chance of coping with changing weather, new diseases and food shortages.
It has since been updated and expanded to cover a wider range of terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and the latest version, reflecting new research, now extends that protection to marine species for the first time.
Maintaining genetic diversity is vital for nature’s survival. Helping species adapt to change helps give us things we need, such as food to eat and materials to build with, and can even help soak up pollution from the air.
The Scottish approach is already being used for species management in South Africa, and in a joint project with the University of Benghazi in Libya. A site-based version has also been developed, working with farmers and land managers in Scotland, Libya, Mexico and Australia.
Speaking ahead of a two-day attendance at COP17 on Biodiversity in Armenia, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin said: “I want to thank the scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot who developed this low-cost tracking tool.
“The fact that this Scottish resource is now being used internationally, and can support marine species for the first time, demonstrates the global value of expertise developed here in Scotland as well as underlining just how impressive Scotland’s scientific community is.
“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, so maintaining genetic diversity is essential if species are to adapt and survive. This innovative tool helps conservationists make better decisions in order to better protect nature.
“The groundbreaking work by Scottish scientists shows we have a strong story to tell, and we should tell it with confidence, using our voice at events like COP17 to push for ambitious biodiversity and climate action.”
Dr Isa-Rita Russo, ConGen Africa, an initiative dedicated to the conservation and genetic management of African wildlife, said: “The scorecard has been a brilliant addition to the wildlife management guidelines used across Africa. It takes complicated genetic science and turns it into something practical that conservationists can actually use day to day.
“Instead of needing specialist genetics expertise, people managing wildlife can now easily understand the genetic health of a population, spot problems early, and decide what action to take.
“This has made genetic diversity far more visible and useful in real-world conservation work across African wildlife and beyond.”
Professor Tarek Mukassabi, University of Benghazi, Libya, said: “The Scottish scorecard has effectively helped in demonstrating genetic biodiversity in Libya. The structure and contents of the scorecard have organised scattered local biodiversity literature and guided national research to build a useful, effective national database.
“This direct, clear scorecard will help us make the right decisions about conserving biodiversity. We are now working with NatureScot to develop a site-based version of the scorecard called ‘GenDivA’.
“In Libya, we have conducted the first trial of GenDivA, assessing the genetic biodiversity of one of the rare native plant species of the south-eastern Mediterranean.
“The procedure was highly organised and focused, and in a short time addressed biodiversity issues that could significantly change conservation policy in the territory.”
Energy Secretary gives go ahead to controversial Jackdaw gas field, as Chancellor announces new Energy Wealth Fund
The Energy Secretary has agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at the licensed Jackdaw field.
The project will start to supply gas to British homes and businesses from as early as the end of this month, helping heat millions of homes and protecting hundreds of jobs.
New Energy Wealth Fund to be established by the Chancellor with a £2 billion downpayment to reinvest oil and gas revenues into the climate transition.
Still no decision on Rosebank
Jackdaw will start to supply gas to British homes and businesses from the end of this month, after the Energy Secretary agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at the field.
The Jackdaw decision is expected to increase domestic gas production by around 6% at its peak – supporting the UK’s gas supply over its lifespan of up to 11 years, boosting our energy security, protecting hundreds of jobs and adding an estimated £2.9 billion to the UK economy.
Recent events in the Middle East have triggered global energy shocks and pushed up bills for families across the country. At a time of global instability, homegrown energy can be a source of national strength.
The Chancellor is also announcing today the establishment of a new Energy Wealth Fund, which will use tax revenues from North Sea oil and gas to invest in renewable and low carbon energy projects and support the green transition. Reflecting our commitment to the North Sea, this will start with an initial £2 billion injection of funding, with future revenues from the North Sea flowing into the fund over time.
The announcement comes ahead of the Budget, which will set out the government’s plan to deliver good growth in every postcode. By reinvesting Britain’s energy wealth in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure, the Fund will unlock investment, back the industries of the future and create skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK.
This investment in renewable energy will substantially delink gas and electricity by the end of this Parliament. By investing in and building more renewable and low carbon power, gas will set the price of electricity less often, helping end Britain’s exposure to volatile international gas markets and help get bills down for good in the long term.
The Energy Secretary assessed among other points, that the Jackdaw project will not prevent the UK from being able to meet its legally binding limits on carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050.
The heatwaves and extreme weather events experienced this year highlighted the importance of tackling the climate crisis. The Government remains committed to the green transition and net zero – moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable and nuclear energy. But even on the path to net zero, the UK will still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.
The decision is consistent with the government’s manifesto commitment not to issue any new licences to explore new fields while managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan. The Jackdaw gas field is already licensed and the North Sea Transition Authority’s decision to grant consent now gives the developer the green light to begin operations at the field.
It follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Finch case in 2024, which means North Sea operators are now required to consider the impact of burning the extracted oil and gas in environmental impact assessments. This meant the Energy Secretary had to consider a new environmental framework alongside all relevant factors in the case, including responses to the public consultation.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:“Following careful consideration of all relevant factors I have agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at Jackdaw, which will begin to supply the UK with gas from this winter thanks to the highly skilled and vital North Sea workers.
“This decision will support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter and help minimise the UK’s use of imported higher emission fuels as we continue our transition to renewables and nuclear.
“The decision is compatible with our legally binding climate commitments, and we remain resolute in ending new licences for oil and gas and achieving net zero by 2050.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I welcome the Energy Secretary’s decision, which will protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter. At a time when people are really struggling, it’s right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help.
“We’re committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050. But even on our ambitious climate path, we’ll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.
“That’s why we’re taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea. We’re also establishing a new Energy Wealth Fund to invest in renewable energy, support the green transition and help reduce energy bills over the long-term.
“Our approach will ensure we can boost our energy security, back British workers, ringfence future North Sea proceeds to speed up the green transition, hit our ambitious climate targets and – crucially – bring down bills.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:“I want Britain’s energy wealth to spark a new wave of clean power to work for the British people.
“Since North Sea gas and oil were discovered decades ago, the benefit of our existing nation’s natural resources have not been turned into the long-term investment our country needs.
“Through our new Energy Wealth Fund, we will invest in the clean energy industries of the future, creating jobs, driving growth and strengthening Britain’s energy security.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This decision to approve Jackdaw is a win for Aberdeen, a win for Scottish workers and a win for Britain’s energy security. The North East has helped power the country for half a century, and will continue to do so for decades to come.
“This will harness the homegrown skills and assets we have in Scotland and right across the UK in a boost for the economy, as we continue to invest in and grow clean energy resources, and work towards the transition.”
Stuart Payne, Chief Executive of the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) said:“After robust scrutiny we have today granted consent for the Jackdaw Field development which allows the owners to proceed with their project and produce gas from the field upon completion of development work.
“This project will support the UK’s energy security by providing domestically produced gas, generate tax revenues, safeguard supply chain jobs, use existing infrastructure, and have an emissions intensity well below the UK average.
The Energy Wealth Fund will support investment in the renewable and low carbon energy industries that will power Britain’s future. It will help ensure more value from Britain’s energy resources is invested for the long term, supporting the green transition and creating a lasting national asset for future generations.
Alongside supporting the North Sea oil and gas sector, the government will continue to invest in the new energy industries that will support Scotland’s long-term jobs and prosperity. Since 2024, the UK has seen more than £100 billion of investment in renewable and low carbon energy.
Most recently, Sumitomo announced the opening of a £350 million into a cable factory at the Port of Nigg earlier this week. And SSE yesterday confirmed that 400 skilled jobs will be supported across Scotland through its new supply chain contracts for the Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm.
The government is taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea that will support existing oil and gas production and back the highly skilled workforce as opportunities grow in renewables and wider sectors.
As announced last year, new Transitional Energy Certificates will allow for some oil and gas production in already-explored areas that are near licensed fields, linked via a tieback – ensuring existing fields can remain economically viable.
The government has therefore confirmed today that it is asking the regulator to consider urgent cases that could benefit from similar measures now, before legislation on these new certificates is in place. This will ensure the sector can support existing oil and gas fields, while still preventing exploration in new unlicensed areas.
It comes as discussions with industry leaders begin on a refresh of the North Sea Transition Deal to ensure domestic oil and gas production continues to benefit the UK and build the energy industries of the future. First agreed in 2021, the deal aims to provide a clear path for the industry to support the UK in reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while protecting jobs and supporting energy security.
The changing nature of the North Sea basin also opens up new opportunities to expand the UK’s decommissioning sector – which is expected to support up to 25,000 skilled jobs over the next decade and attract up to £25.6 billion in investment, according to independent analysis.
To help unlock this potential, the government has launched a consultation on new guidance to support decommissioning of complex infrastructure. The government has also formally asked Shell to submit their Brent decommissioning programme for the Energy Secretary to consider, with the aim to unblock a longstanding decision process that has been under review since 2017.
The UK Government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field is a betrayal of our children’s future and outright climate vandalism, the Scottish Greens have said.
Labour has approved Jackdaw today even though it will do nothing to lower household bills and will only help greedy shareholders rake in obscene profits.
Jackdaw will have no meaningful impact on the UK’s energy security. Over its roughly 10-year lifetime it will provide only 2% of UK gas demand.
Labour approved the field despite the repeated heatwaves and devastating wildfires which hit the UK this summer, the latest round of extreme weather driven by the climate emergency.
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer said:“Labour’s decision to approve Jackdaw is climate vandalism. It is a devastating betrayal of our children’s future and it won’t even lower energy bills in the here and now.
“Andy Burnham’s Government had the opportunity to reject the greed of oil and gas companies. They could have focused instead on lowering bills and protecting our planet by investing in clean, green renewable energy. Instead, this Labour Prime Minister has caved in to the fossil fuel lobby and continued to devastate our climate.
“The UK has just endured a summer of repeated heatwaves and devastating wildfires. This winter we’ll likely see extreme levels of flooding. The climate emergency is here already and it’s costing lives.
“Jackdaw will make the UK even more dependent on gas despite its wildly fluctuating prices in the global market. That will do absolutely nothing to lower household energy bills and it is dishonest to pretend that it will.
“Labour’s climate credentials are now in shreds. Families across the country are struggling to afford the rising costs of heating their homes. The money being thrown at oil and gas companies in the form of tax breaks should instead be used to insulate homes and help people swap out their gas boilers for heat pumps.”
Ross Greer added:“The Scottish Greens are now the only party standing up for our planet and against the greed of oil and gas companies.
“Our children and all future generations will not forget Labour’s climate vandalism.
“Scotland has a huge wealth of clean, green renewable energy sources, but we are constantly held back by Westminster. The UK Government has once again bent to the whim of the fossil fuel lobbyists who only care about making obscene profits for their shareholders, regardless of the ruin they are leaving for everyone else.”
Greenpeace UK press briefing
The Government looks set to approve more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Based on the facts set out below, Greenpeace wants to know, why?
This brief sets out the latest facts about the climate, energy bills, jobs and energy security for both Jackdaw and Rosebank and suggests 10 questions for journalists to ask ministers and spokespeople ahead of the decision.
Jackdaw key facts
Adura claims Jackdaw brings massive economic benefits, but in their own environmental statement they admit that it will create just 27 new full-time jobs. Most of the workforce already works on the existing Shearwater platform.
Using government calculations for climate harm, burning Jackdaw’s gas will cause an estimated £16.1 billion in global damage and over 8,000 heat-related deaths.
Adura argues that Jackdaw’s emissions are only a tiny percentage of global pollution. However, existing oil and gas fields worldwide will already produce more than double the amount of carbon the planet can handle to limit warming to 1.5°C. We already have more than enough gas to meet global supply.
Rosebank key facts
Burning Rosebank’s 254 million tonnes of Scope 3 emissions will cause an estimated 57,000 global heat-related deaths under peer-reviewed climate models.
Using standard UK Treasury figures for life valuation, Rosebank inflicts over £114 billion in global climate damage, wiping out its claimed £24.3 billion in economic value nearly five times over.
90% of Rosebank’s oil reserves are destined for international markets and all of it will be sold at global market prices, meaning no cheap oil reserved for UK consumers.
Rosebank would generate a total of 254 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. That’s the equivalent of nearly 70% of the UK’s entire annual emissions in 2024.
The climate pollution from Rosebank’s reserves would be greater than the combined annual CO₂ emissions of the 73 lowest-emitting countries and territories (representing over 114 million people).
Shell’s Q2 profits were £7.4 billion, while the world’s five biggest oil companies made half a billion dollars per day in the second quarter of 2026 due to the Iran war.
UK taxpayer-funded subsidies to fossil fuel companies are worth £13.3 billion for the last seven years. That amount could fund seven years of support for North Sea workers to transition to renewable industries, at the level called for by unions and environmental NGOs.
10 Questions for Government Ministers and Spokespeople
Bills: How much will Jackdaw or Rosebank reduce household energy bills, and by when? If their oil and gas are sold at international market prices, what is the mechanism for delivering cheaper energy?
Energy security: If Jackdaw reduces annual gas import dependency by only 2% on average, how does that justify its climate damage? How does Rosebank improve UK energy security when 90% of its oil is destined for international markets?
Jobs: How many new, permanent UK jobs will each project create? How do ministers reconcile claims of major employment benefits with Adura’s own figures that Jackdaw provides just 27 permanent new jobs?
Trump: What commitments did the PM give to Donald Trump on North Sea drilling and is the US president now dictating UK energy policy?
Growth: How will licensing more drilling deliver good growth in every postcode? What lasting growth will these projects deliver, and why is further drilling a better investment than backing the UK’s surging green economy?
Public money: Why should taxpayers effectively shoulder over 80% of Rosebank’s development costs? What is the expected net return to the public after tax reliefs and climate damage are taken into account?
Climate damage: How do ministers justify Rosebank’s estimated £114 billion in global climate damage against its claimed £24.3 billion economic value? What weight have they given to the estimated heat-related deaths from both fields?
Pragmatism: Ministers have promised a pragmatic approach. What is pragmatic about approving projects that add to climate damage without delivering cheaper energy or a secure long-term future for workers?
Political pressure: What role has lobbying by fossil fuel companies played in these decisions? Will ministers publish the evidence and records of relevant meetings?
Rosebank: If the Government approves Jackdaw but delays Rosebank, why is it postponing a decision on the more damaging project? When will ministers give a definitive answer?
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