Greens: IPCC warning must be reflected in UK energy strategy
Media release
Scottish Greens
Tuesday 5 April 2022
The long-delayed UK energy strategy must reflect the starkest of warnings from climate scientists at the IPCC, the Scottish Greens have warned.
The UN climate scientists gave what is in effect their final warning to world governments that there has been too much talk and not enough action to restrict global warming to a level that is survivable.
In terms of dramatically reducing emissions, “It’s now or never”, co-chair of the working group Jim Skea said.
Investing in new fossil fuel production and power plants is “moral and economic madness”, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.
Yet the UK Government has indicated that alongside measures to expand wind power, the UK Energy strategy will invest in oil and gas, following the approval of several new oil field developments off Scotland’s coast, including the one at Cambo off the coast of Shetland.
Commenting, Scottish Greens energy and climate spokesperson Mark Ruskell said: “This warning from the UN’s climate scientists is very stark indeed, with strong words from the Secretary General about governments lying about their commitments. Sadly, the UK Government is one of those and the ongoing commitment to expand oil and gas rather than begin the transition away from it is playing Russian roulette with our future.
“The IPCC are clear however that it is not too late. The energy security strategy has been delayed several times already, so the UK Government have still time to wake up, listen to the science and change direction, before it’s too late.
“In Scotland we are investing to lower the carbon footprint from buildings and transport and we are paving the way to massively increase our renewable energy capacity, but with energy policy reserved we need the UK Government to get on board, now.”