‘Golden age of gas’ would lead to disastrous temperature rise

Commenting on a report released today (29 May 2012) by The International Energy Agency, heralding a ‘golden age of gas’ and saying that gas use could grow by 50% by 2035, Hannah Kitchen, Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

“This report admits that unconventional gas extraction comes with numerous problems that need to be addressed, and that a gas boom would lead us into a disastrous 3.5C rise in global temperatures.

“The IEA’s chief says that it won’t be a golden age for humanity, just for gas.

“This is ludicrous.

“I’d prefer to move towards a golden age for humanity, where we steer clear of new forms of gas extraction that contribute to climate change and bring numerous risks to water, health and the environment.

“In Scotland we should not even start allowing companies to extract coalbed methane using risky methods, and instead make our homes and workplaces energy efficient, while investing in low carbon renewable energy.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact: Per Fischer, Press Office, Friends of the Earth Scotland
 t: 0131 243 2719 

Notes to Editors

1. Golden Rules for a Golden Age of Gas – International Energy Agency www.worldenergyoutlook.org/goldenrules/#d.en.27023

2. Campaigners’ anger over agency’s shale gas report – BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18236535

3. 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, 77 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups – covering every continent. www.foe-scotland.org.uk