UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent announcement of new oil and gas licensing in the North Sea and funding for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects has drawn strong criticism from environmentalists and clean energy campaigners. The decision has triggered a backlash from those advocating for a more decisive shift towards renewable energy sources.

Sunak confirmed the approval of two CCS projects, the Acorn project in Scotland and the Viking project in the Humber estuary, under a government funding program. However, opponents argue that CCS projects perpetuate the role of fossil fuels in meeting energy demand and challenge the feasibility of storing captured CO2 in depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers.

Doug Parr, chief scientist of Greenpeace, accused the government of greenwashing and trying to present fossil fuel projects as environmentally friendly. Similarly, March Church of Friends of the Earth Scotland criticized the decision, calling it "yet another massive public subsidy to oil companies." They argued that the investment should be directed towards climate solutions that can deliver emission cuts and improve people's lives.

Proponents of industrial CCS insist that these projects are already proven technologies and can help with emissions reduction. The Acorn project, which involves Shell and North Sea Midstream Partners as co-venturers, has been in development for over a decade, awaiting government support.

While the government claims that the licensing rounds will be subject to a climate compatibility test, critics argue that the decision shows "blatant climate change denial." They stress the urgency of tackling the climate crisis and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Former Conservative Cabinet minister Chris Skidmore condemned the decision, stating that it puts the UK on the "wrong side of history." He warned that voters may favor parties that protect the environment in the next general election.

The announcement has ignited tensions within the Conservative Party, with some members voicing their opposition to new oil and gas drilling. However, the government defended its decision, emphasizing that domestic oil and gas have a smaller carbon footprint than imports and contribute to energy security.

The opposition Labor Party, which has said it would halt issuing of all new drilling licenses as part of a commitment to bring forward net zero to 2030, accused Sunak of pandering to the right of his party who oppose efforts to tackle climate change.

Environmental campaigners and green politicians continue to call for a stronger focus on renewables and a shift away from fossil fuels. They urge investment in renewable energy projects, mass retrofitting of homes, and a transition to cleaner energy sources to effectively address climate change and ensure a sustainable future.