The climate activist participated in a London protest against the Rosebank oil and gas field project.

Greta Thunberg, the prominent climate campaigner, criticised the UK Government during a demonstration in London, opposing the proposed Rosebank oil and gas field development.

Thunberg joined fellow activists outside the office of UK Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps, urging officials to align with what she called the “right side of history.” Shapps is expected to make a decision on the approval of Rosebank, located around 80 miles northwest of the Shetland Isles. If developed, it would be the UK’s largest untapped oil and gas field, potentially yielding up to 500 million barrels of oil.

Environmental campaigners warn that burning such quantities of oil could release more carbon dioxide than 28 low-income countries produce in a single year. Speaking to Channel 4 News, Thunberg highlighted, “The mere fact that the UK Government is considering this reveals just how detached they are from reality. This summer’s record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather are only the beginning of a rapidly intensifying crisis.”

Thunberg stressed that unless immediate and genuine action is taken, the situation will continue to deteriorate, adding, “This isn’t a new normal—it will worsen without real efforts to address it now.”

Her remarks come as climate advocates express worry that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may dilute some of the government’s green policies following the Conservative Party’s victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election. Success in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s constituency was credited to local opposition to the extension of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez), prompting calls from some Conservative members to reconsider net zero strategies.

While Sunak has indicated a preference for a “pragmatic and proportionate” net zero plan, especially given rising living costs, Thunberg criticised such an approach, calling it dangerously short-sighted. “Believing one crisis can be addressed without tackling others is a flawed mindset,” she cautioned. “Right now, it seems we’re incapable of focusing on more than one major issue, and that’s extremely risky.”

Thunberg concluded with a warning: “Choose the right side of history. We are watching, and we will hold you accountable. Short-term profits at the expense of long-term survival will not be forgotten.”