Fossil Fuel reliance costing Scotland
The Scottish Government must stop trying to face both ways, and adopt an energy policy to protect the climate, energy security, and cut the cost of living, say the Scottish Greens.
An amendment lodged by the Scottish Greens in Parliament recognises the urgency of the climate emergency, accepts the need for a move away from reliance on fossil fuels with a greater importance placed on renewables, and calls for a just transition which protects jobs.
The Scottish Greens are calling for the Scottish Government to get off the fence and decide what their energy policy would be, if they were successful in getting energy powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
This follows the SNP previously weakening their position on new oil and gas exploration, and recent announcements that new oil and gas projects would have SNP support if a spurious “climate compatibility” test is met.
With Labour and SNP trying to face both ways on oil and gas, and Reform and the Tories calling for more North Sea drilling, it is vital that there are voices in parliament making the case for a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuel, and the investment that we need in clean, green renewable energy.
This follows recent news that green jobs contribute £10.2bn to Scotland’s economy, with net-zero related industries supporting more than 105,000 jobs in Scotland so far.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“Energy bills are having a huge impact on households right across the country, and our over-reliance on fossil fuel is the core of the problem. Without urgent action, it will only get worse as Donald Trump continues to wage reckless wars causing fossil fuel prices, and household bills to surge.
“The Greens agree that decisions over Scotland’s energy future should be in Scotland’s hands. But those powers must be for a clear purpose - we need to be bold in the decisions we take to tackle the climate emergency, cut people’s bills, and provide secure jobs for the future.
“That means providing support to keep homes warm and to rapidly escalate the transition away from oil and gas, ensuring that green jobs continue to grow, and that we generate affordable, secure, and clean energy, with much more energy infrastructure in community ownership.
“There is a scientific reality about the climate crisis. The planet is getting warmer and burning fossil fuels is a central cause of the heating of our planet. The future of energy generation is in renewables, and that is where the Scottish Government should be urgently prioritising investment.
“Whether it comes from the North Sea or Saudi Arabia, oil and gas are globally traded products and subject to volatile global markets. Energy security means transitioning away from oil and gas as quickly as we can, and investing in renewable energy so we can cut bills for everyone.”