Charlie Kronick of Greenpeace said granting approval would be inconsistent with meeting the UK’s national and international targets to reduce carbon emissions.
“There is no way that we can meet those targets by approving new oil and gas,” he said.
Oil firms insist there will still be domestic demand for fossil fuels whether it is produced in UK waters or not, arguing that importing gas would produce higher emissions, external.
The UK government has been considering how to calculate downstream emissions, and a consultation on the subject had been due to conclude in the spring.
Downing Street said it “worked at speed to consult on updated environmental guidance so we can provide certainty to industry” since the autumn.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson told reporters at a daily Downing Street briefing that: “This will help provide stability for industry, support our environmental goals and investment, protect jobs and deliver economic growth”.
The spokesperson added: “Oil and gas will be with us for decades to come, but diversifying the North Sea industries is also key to protecting jobs and investments in the long term, alongside our commitment to manage existing fields for the duration of their lifespan.”
First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish government would “reflect carefully” on the court’s decision but that he had not yet been able to analyse it “in detail”.
He told reporters the judgement highlighted the significance of climate implications being considered in any consenting decisions. He said that had always been an “essential part” of the Scottish government’s stance.
A spokesperson for Shell said swift action was needed from the government to grant fresh approval for Jackdaw, adding: “Today’s ruling rightly allows work to progress on this nationally-important energy project while new consents are sought.”
Equinor said it welcomed the ruling and promised to continue to work closely with government to progress it.
“Rosebank is critical for the UK’s economic growth,” a spokesperson said, adding that it was investing £2.2bn in the project and a pause would have meant job losses and a cut in tax income for the Treasury.
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