This report reviews the latest scientific evidence and other scholarly literature on the climate implications of new oil and gas extraction projects. The policy implications for the UK are:

• The UK Government’s policy of ending new oil and gas licensing is necessary to align with the Paris goals.

• Fully aligning with the Paris goals also requires the further step of refusing development consents for already-licensed fields such as Rosebank. The report’s findings are directly relevant to the decision the Secretary of State must make regarding the significant effects on the environment of new oil and gas projects for which development consent is sought.

• These policies have the ability to influence actions by other governments, while strengthening the UK’s reputation as a climate leader.

• The best outcome for jobs and the economy is to focus all new energy investments on renewable energies, while production from existing oil and gas fields declines.