In another first-of-its-kind case, this time in England, climate activists argue that the estimated environmental impact of a planned oil drilling site does not take into account the inevitable future combustion of the fuel.

From this article:

Ms Finch contends that the environmental impact assessment should have taken into account the climate impacts that would inevitably arise from burning the extracted oil (over three million tonnes could be produced), known as ‘Scope 3’ or ‘downstream’ emissions, which didn’t happen during the planning process.

Scope 3 emissions are increasingly being left out of environmental impact assessments when planning applications are made for fossil fuel projects, despite the huge climate impact these projects can have, the mounting climate crisis and the UK government’s commitment to net zero. But this could all change if this legal challenge succeeds.

It is sad but not surprising that to this day, the people drilling for oil and selling it to be combusted are not required to include this information in their assessment of expected environmental impact.

I doubt this will come to much because, well, money, but I agree and support these individuals fighting the good fight. Much luck to Ms Finch and her associates.