Scotland says ‘no more’ to fossil fuel exploration
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said October 25 the government will no longer support the recovery of fossil fuels.
“We must accept that unlimited recovery of hydrocarbons is not consistent with meeting the aims of the Paris Agreement,” she said.
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Scotland hosts the upcoming COP26 conference to discuss climate issues amid warnings of runaway warming trends that are leading to weather extremes. Sturgeon said her government cannot continue to embrace fossil fuels while also following the course of the energy transition needed to abate climate threats.
For those already engaged in North Sea activities, the first minister said the government would work to ensure workers can also transition easily into the opportunities that a greener future could provide.
“In Scotland, our just transition will put fairness for workers and communities front and centre,” she said. “That focus on justice and fairness will be central to Scotland’s approach to COP26."
Her recent position is not new. Sturgeon in August urged the UK government not to approve the development of the Cambo oil field off Scotland, citing concerns over climate change.
The referendum for a failed Scottish bid for independence in 2014 relied in part on oil and gas revenue from the North Sea while drawing on renewable energy for power, a situation similar to Norway.