Scotland to end overseas promotion of fossil fuels
Environmental campaigners have welcomed proposals from Scottish government to “end all Scottish Government overseas trade backing and promotion activities solely focused on fossil fuel goods and services by COP26.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Director Dr Richard Dixon said:
“Fossil fuels are the key driver of the climate emergency and the Scottish Government’s decision to stop promoting them in other nations should be warmly welcomed. Caution must be exercised though around exemptions to this rule given the oil and gas industry’s clear intentions to continue business as usual.”
“It does immediately raise the question that if it is wrong to support fossil fuels overseas because of their climate impact, then surely it is wrong to support them at home?”
“With the UN climate talks coming to Glasgow this year, and the clock ticking on solving the climate crisis, Scotland needs a bold plan setting out steps to phase out fossil fuel extraction and use in this country, while ensuring a just transition for workers and communities dependent on the industry.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Scotland’s vision for Trade
“We will consult with the industry on our proposal to end all Scottish Government overseas trade backing and promotion activities solely focused on fossil fuel goods and services by COP26. There will be legitimate exceptions to the withdrawal of support where it is clear that the work is essential for a fair and just energy transition, such as decommissioning.”
https://www.gov.scot/news/scotlands-vision-for-trade/
UK government to end overseas support for fossil fuels. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-the-uk-will-end-support-for-fossil-fuel-sector-overseas
Friends of the Earth Scotland is:
* Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 75 national member groups, and 5,000 local activist groups.
www.foe.scot
NOTES TO EDITORS
Scotland’s vision for Trade
“We will consult with the industry on our proposal to end all Scottish Government overseas trade backing and promotion activities solely focused on fossil fuel goods and services by COP26. There will be legitimate exceptions to the withdrawal of support where it is clear that the work is essential for a fair and just energy transition, such as decommissioning.”
https://www.gov.scot/news/scotlands-vision-for-trade/
UK government to end overseas support for fossil fuels. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-the-uk-will-end-support-for-fossil-fuel-sector-overseas
Friends of the Earth Scotland is:
* Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 75 national member groups, and 5,000 local activist groups.
www.foe.scot