Scotland has mined coal for centuries and more recently drilled for oil to power our society and provide livelihoods. We now know that our dependency on fossil fuels has to end, leaving reserves in the ground, if we are to limit the effects of climate change.

We’re fighting a new fossil fuels front. New technologies have emerged in recent years allowing for the extraction of hard-to-reach fossil fuel reserves through processes of fracking and underground coal gasification. These technologies carry significant risks: environmental pollution, health problems for communities close to extraction sites and no guarantee of lower fuel prices. Licences to drill for unconventional fuels have been issued for sites around the Forth and central Scotland, threatening communities in the area.

The Scottish Greens have been successful in opposing fracking and unconventional fuel, protecting Scottish communities and environments. We have:

• Won a moratorium on fracking and unconventional coal gas extraction. We worked hard along with community campaign groups to persuade Holyrood to halt developments until they can be proved to be safe for people and environment.
• Led the first Holyrood debate on unconventional gas. Alison Johnstone MSP called for a vote to ban unconventional fossil fuel extraction in Scotland.
• Supported community campaigns in areas at risk from proposed developments.

We will continue to oppose Scotland increasing its dependency on unsustainable fossil fuels and instead argue for resources to be channelled towards creating a range of thriving and efficient renewable energy sources.

Read: How Scotland Can Ban Fracking