Scotland’s climate coalition has welcomed the UK government’s decision to rule out new oil and gas fields, saying it’s a “historic moment” in the battle to tackle climate change and deliver a fair transition away from fossil fuels.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland manager Becky Kenton-Lake said: “The UK government’s announcement that it will outlaw exploration and development of new oil and gas fields in its waters is a historic moment in the battle against climate breakdown.
“This decision must-turbo charge efforts to deliver a fair transition away from fossil fuels, the biggest driver of the global temperature rise that is causing havoc for people and nature all over the world.
“Continuing to seek out and exploit the last drops left in the UK’s continental shelf would not only string out dependency on fossil fuels and further drive dangerous levels of heating, it would also perpetuate false promises of energy security and jobs in an industry that is already in steep decline.
“The UK government must now block plans to drill the giant Rosebank and Cambo fields in the North Sea, which would release millions of tonnes of extra greenhouse gas emissions every year if their reserves were burned.
“A loophole which allows existing fields to be extended through ‘tiebacks’ should also be closed.
“Alongside this, the UK and Scottish governments must concentrate efforts on a fair shift to a low-carbon future, which will secure jobs, lower bills, safeguard energy supplies and bring long-term benefits for households, workers and communities.”
