UK must halt Rosebank drilling and leave climate-wrecking Energy Charter Treaty
The proposed Rosebank oil field would be terrible for the UK’s reputation and devastating for our planet, according to the Scottish Greens.
The issue was raised in a Topical Question by Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who also called for the UK to follow other European governments in withdrawing from the damaging Energy Charter Treaty. The treaty allows fossil fuel companies to sue governments if they bring in policies or laws that limit the use of coal, oil or gas.
Speaking after the debate, Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“The UK Government is taking an utterly reckless and hypocritical approach to our environment. It says that we need to transition away from fossil fuels, but is granting over 100 new oil and gas exploration licences.
“If the Rosebank licence is agreed it will be terrible for the UK’s reputation and devastating for our planet. It would totally undermine all of our climate commitments.”
“COP 27 saw one very positive step forward on addressing loss and damage, but it also saw two giant steps on fossil fuels, with a clear failure to commit to any phasing out of oil and gas. It has effectively killed any hope of 1.5 degrees.
Commenting on the Energy Charter Treaty, Ruskell added:
“None of this is helped by the Energy Charter Treaty, which is allowing polluters to sue governments for hundreds of millions of pounds if they bring in policies or laws that limit the use of coal, oil and gas.
“At COP27 Germany joined the calls for collective withdrawal of countries from the treaty, which is now beyond reform. With countries from across Europe withdrawing from this terrible treaty, it is time for the UK to do the same.”