UK Approves Jackdaw Gasfield in North Sea
Listen to the story
The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. The decision had been widely expected after strong lobbying from the energy company Shell. Shell had pushed the government for some time to allow the project to go ahead.
The approval is expected to disappoint environmental campaigners, who have been calling for an end to new fossil fuel projects. They argue that new gas developments are not compatible with efforts to fight climate change.
Fossil fuels like gas are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming. Campaigners say approving new gasfields sends the wrong message at a time when countries are trying to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
Supporters of the project, including Shell, argue that new gas supplies are needed to support the UK's energy needs. They say domestic production can help reduce reliance on imported gas.
The Jackdaw gasfield will now move forward, with Shell expected to begin the next stages of development. Environmental groups have criticised the decision, and it is likely to remain a point of debate between the government, industry, and climate activists in the coming months.
Vocabulary10 words
- gasfield
- an area under the ground or sea that has natural gas
- approved
- officially agreed to allow something
- lobbying
- trying to persuade officials to make a certain decision
- environmental campaigners
- people who work to protect nature and the planet
- climate change
- long-term change in the Earth's weather, often caused by human activity
- greenhouse gas emissions
- gases released into the air that trap heat and warm the planet
- fossil fuel
- natural fuel like gas, oil, or coal formed from ancient plants or animals
- domestic production
- making or getting something within one's own country
- reliance
- depending on something for support or supply
- development
- the process of planning, building, or growing something
📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?
Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.
Quiz
Answer key
1. To approve the Jackdaw gasfield 2. Because of lobbying by Shell 3. That new gas projects worsen climate change
✅ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The UK government has _____ the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. The decision had been widely expected after strong _____ from the energy company Shell. Shell had pushed the government for some time to allow the project to go ahead.
The approval is expected to disappoint environmental _____, who have been calling for an end to new fossil fuel projects. They argue that new gas developments are not compatible with efforts to fight climate _____.
Fossil fuels like gas are a major source of greenhouse gas _____, which contribute to global warming. Campaigners say approving new gasfields sends the wrong message at a time when countries are trying to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
Supporters of the project, including Shell, argue that new gas supplies are needed to support the UK's energy needs. They say _____ production can help reduce reliance on imported gas.
The Jackdaw gasfield will now move forward, with Shell expected to begin the next stages of _____. Environmental groups have criticised the decision, and it is likely to remain a point of debate between the government, industry, and climate activists in the coming months.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the UK government decided to approve the Jackdaw gasfield?
- What are the arguments for and against new gas projects?
- How might this decision affect the UK's efforts to fight climate change?
- Do you think energy companies should have influence over government decisions? Why or why not?
🎓 Enjoyed this story?
Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.
More Business stories
Next story · Medium
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview Their 2026-27 NBA Season