Government’s new energy strategy is ‘unbelievably reckless’, says campaigners

Environmental campaigners from Friends of the Earth Scotland have said the government’s decision to expand oil and gas production is ‘unbelievably reckless’ due to the climate impact of fossil fuels.

Today, the government announced its new Energy Security Strategy to help ease the costs of people’s energy bills and reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas.

Part of this plan includes a government pledge to hold another giveaway of licenses to companies to explore for more oil and gas.

However, it takes on average 28 years from a new exploration license being granted to field production. This means that licenses granted this year may not start producing oil and gas until 2050, when the UK is supposed to be net zero emissions.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that ‘Investing in new fossil fuels infrastructure is moral and economic madness’.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson have said that Scotland should continue its commitment to renewables and should transition away from fossil fuels as fast as possible.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Climate and Energy Campaigner, Caroline Rance said: ‘It is unbelievably reckless for the UK Government to put its foot down on the accelerator and expand production of the oil and gas that is speeding us towards further climate devastation.

‘By doubling down on oil and gas they are keeping us locked in an unaffordable and destructive energy system that is only delivering billions in profits for oil companies whilst millions of people are forced to choose between heating and eating.

‘The Scottish Government is due to publish its own Energy Strategy later this year and it must deliver what the UK Government has failed to do – commit to an end to new fossil fuels, increase renewables, provide support for insulating homes and deliver a Just Transition for workers and communities.’

Photo by Ilse Driessen