UK world’s worst for letting fossil fuel companies drill in nature reserves

New investigation reveals vast global overlap between drilling permits and cherished sites crucial for nature

In brief

• Governments have allowed oil and gas companies to operate in more than 7,000 “protected” areas around the world

• Protected sites are recognised by international agreements but left at risk by weak enforcement

• Total global area encroached on is bigger than the size of France and includes sites that are vital buffers against climate change