Climate activists protest UK approval of Jackdaw North Sea gas field

Climate activists have protested the UK government's decision to approve new gas drilling in the North Sea, Al Jazeera reports. The government cleared the Jackdaw gas field, according to The New York Times and Deutsche Welle.

Jackdaw is a natural gas field off the coast of Scotland. The Times says it is the first new North Sea gas extraction project since the government's 2024 moratorium. Deutsche Welle says the project had been in limbo for years and that drilling is set to begin.

The Times says the project will reduce the country's reliance on imported energy. Deutsche Welle says the government is trying to bring down high energy costs.

Environmental groups have criticized the approval. The Times reports that advocates say it undercuts Britain's pledge to cut carbon emissions. Deutsche Welle says the groups are calling for more clean energy.

The BBC had reported that the decision would be announced on Wednesday morning.