A coalition of 211 musicians has signed an open letter to the prime minister opposing the Rosebank oilfield project in the North Sea. Signatories include prominent artists such as members of Radiohead, the Cure, Massive Attack, and numerous other established performers across multiple genres. The letter argues that the development would not meaningfully reduce energy bills or enhance energy security, given that most extracted oil would likely be exported rather than remain for domestic use.
The Rosebank oilfield is located approximately 80 miles northwest of the Shetland Islands. Adura, the company leading the project, has stated that development would generate £10.8 billion in investment and create up to 3,500 jobs during peak construction, declining to 880 permanent positions during the production phase. Environmental assessments suggest the oilfield could produce over 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its operational lifetime, equivalent to roughly 70 percent of the UK’s annual emissions.
The government’s consultation on the Rosebank project concluded recently, with a separate consultation on the Jackdaw gasfield having ended the previous week. Ministers now face decisions on both developments. The letter from the musicians emphasizes the immediate climate impacts being experienced in the UK and Europe, pointing to record heat waves and wildfires as evidence of accelerating climate effects. Brian Eno, a co-founder of the campaign group EarthPercent, framed the decision as a choice between supporting the fossil fuel industry or the interests of future generations.
Meteorological data indicates the current summer is tracking toward being the warmest on record in the UK, with 2026 potentially marking the first year with four days exceeding 36 degrees Celsius. Hospital emergency departments have experienced record attendance during the summer months, with over 2.4 million patients attending monthly in May, June, and July. A government spokesperson countered that the North Sea remains essential for national economic interests and energy security, stating that oil and gas will continue to play a significant role in the UK’s energy system while the country transitions to renewable sources.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI