Just Stop Oil campaigners were advised to be “proud” after avoiding jail for blocking the Esso Fuel Terminal in Birmingham last April.
A court was criticised for being “soft” on seven protesters who caused disruption after petrol outlets closed owing to supply shortages.
Paul Barnes, Paul Fawkesley, and Alan Woods each paid £500 costs.
Oliver Clegg, Jon Deery, Harley Brewer, and Diana Hekt each paid £250 costs.
The seven received a 12-month conditional discharge with a £22 fee at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.
Judge Wilkinson said: “You should feel proud that you care, have concern for the future. Good people doing the wrong thing cannot make the wrong thing right.”
Naomi Goddard and Sylvie More were also acquitted because the Crown Prosecution Service “offered no evidence” against them.
The Judge said: “It’s abundantly clear that you are all good people. You are intelligent, articulate and a pleasure to deal with.
“It’s unarguable that man-made global warming is real and we are facing a climate emergency.
“Your aims are admirable and it is accepted by me and the Crown Prosecution Service that your views are reasonable and genuinely held.
“Your aims are ably and genuinely articulated and are supported by the science.”
The Judge added: “When the United Nations Secretary General gives a speech saying that the activity of fossil fuel companies is incompatible with human survival, we should all be very aware of the need for change.
“Millions of people, and I do not dispute that it may be as many as 1 billion people, will be displaced as a result of climate change.
“No-one can criticise your motivations. You all gave evidence that was deeply moving. I certainly was moved.
“The tragedy is that good people have felt so much, without hope, that you feel you have to come into conflict with the criminal justice system.
“Thank you for opening my eyes to certain things. Most, I was acutely and depressingly aware of, but there were certain things.
“I say this and I mean this sadly, I have to convict you. You are good people and I will not issue a punitive sentence. Your arrests and loss of good character are sufficient.
“Good people doing the wrong thing cannot make the wrong thing right. I don’t say this, ever, but it has been a pleasure dealing with you.
“You should feel guilty for nothing. You should feel proud that you care, have concern for the future. I urge you not to break the law again. Good luck to all of you.”
