Shetland oil field sale will have ‘dire’ consequences for our future, say Scottish Greens
The sale of an oil field 90 miles east of Shetland will have a “dire environmental impact” at a time when we should be tackling the climate emergency and transitioning to a green economy, according to Ariane Burgess, the lead candidate for the Scottish Greens in the Highlands & Islands.
This follows news that Enquest, a petroleum exploration and production company, has acquired control of the Bentley oil field, one of the biggest so-called 'under-developed' oil fields in the area, in a deal that is thought to be worth up to £23 million.
Ariane Burgess, the lead candidate for the Scottish Greens in the Highlands & Islands said: "Scientists say that we only have 9 years to stop irreversible damage from climate change. We need real climate action, not more oil field exploration. This deal will have a dire environmental impact at a time when we should be doing all we can to tackle the climate emergency and build a greener society.”
“We cannot keep drilling and burning fossil fuels indefinitely. What we need is a green and just transition for our communities, not an even greater reliance on oil companies. So many skilled people work in the oil industry, and we should be using their skills to build a fairer, greener Scotland.”
“That is why we are calling for an end to new oil extraction licences and are presenting a costed plan for 100,000 green jobs across Scotland. We must invest in creating green jobs by boosting renewable energy, public transport, warm homes and restoring Scotland’s natural environment. Our future depends on it."