Rosebank Offshore Greenlit Despite Climate Outcry
Regulators have given the green light to the Rosebank offshore oil development, sparking fresh controversy. Located 80 miles west of Shetland, this project by Equinor and Ithaca Energy taps into the UK’s largest untapped oilfield, packed with an estimated 500 million barrels of oil.
The approval came despite fierce objections from environmentalists and politicians alike. Fifty MPs and Lords last month slammed the plan, warning Rosebank could emit 200 million tonnes of CO2 – a heavy blow to climate efforts. They also flagged up the taxpayer burden expected to bankroll much of the development’s cost.
The decision arrives just as the UK government is doling out new North Sea licenses, deepening fears about Britain’s green commitments.
A North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) spokesperson defended the ruling: “We have approved the Rosebank Field Development Plan, which allows the owners to proceed with their project.” They stressed compliance with net-zero goals throughout the project’s life.
This saga threatens to reignite the heated debate between economic gain and environmental responsibility.
Trump Found Guilty of Fraud in New York Civil Case
Donald Trump suffered a major legal blow as a New York judge ruled he committed fraud by wildly inflating his wealth to cheat banks and insurers. The civil case, targeting Trump and his family business, accuses them of ripping off lenders by overvaluing properties by more than $2 billion.
Judge Arthur Engoron slammed the former president’s deception, narrowing the trial scope to six remaining claims and setting the stage for penalties. Trial starts 2 October, with New York Attorney General Letitia James seeking a hefty $250 million fine plus a business ban for Trump in the state.
Trump and co-defendants deny the accusations, but the ruling marks a possible game-changer for his business dealings in New York.
Hollywood Writers End 5-Month Strike, But Actors Stay Out
After nearly five months off the job, Hollywood writers have called off their strike, bringing a dramatic chapter in showbiz turmoil to a close. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) voted unanimously to lift the walkout, which began May 2 over pay and AI concerns.
The strike hit TV productions hard, halting hits like Billions, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Stranger Things. Actor strikes that kicked off in July continue, however, keeping the industry on edge.
The new three-year deal for writers includes pay hikes and AI safeguards, easing a dispute that cost the US economy an estimated £4 billion. HBO’s Bill Maher announced fresh episodes of his show will return this Friday, signalling a slow return to normal.
