Douglas Ross accused of spouting “anti-science drivel”
Scottish Greens energy and climate spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP has slammed Douglas Ross, branding his plans to shelve climate targets and continue oil and gas extraction for decades as “climate change denial.”
Citing a study by Scottish Renewables showing that 77% of oil workers would be happy to move into renewables and to learn new skills, Mr Ruskell added that Mr Ross’ comments were not only out of step with the aspirations of the workforce, if taken seriously they would risk Scotland’s ability to play our part in tackling the climate emergency.
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“Douglas Ross engaging in anti-science climate change denial isn’t just depressing it is downright dangerous and will be dismissed by most Scots who acknowledge that the climate crisis is an urgent priority.
“Scotland has an abundance of renewable energy potential, yet the Scottish Tories seem determined to hitch our future to the fossil fuel relics of the past.
“The Tory’s bizarre approach also lets the SNP off the hook for failing to capitalise on Scotland’s potential and deliver the quality, well paid, unionised green jobs that we know can be created now.
“Most oil workers want to put their skills to work in Scotland’s renewables sector. But SNP and Tory governments have so far failed miserably to deliver on promised jobs.
“With the COP26 climate summit due to take place in Glasgow next year, and a new man in the White House who actually recognises the existential threat that is posed by the climate crisis there is a real opportunity for Scotland to play a leading role in tackling it.
“We need to see an emergency response from government that befits the climate emergency we face. Step 1 in that response should be to ignore the anti-science drivel espoused by the honourable member for Moray.”