IPCC Report shows the urgent need to get off fossil fuels

Campaigners have reacted to the latest stark warning from leading scientists that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying.

The report finds that “ unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5°C or even 2°C will be beyond reach.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Climate & Energy Campaigner Caroline Rance said:

“This report should make alarming reading for everyone on earth. The conclusions of the world’s best scientists makes it clear that if we are to avert further climate breakdown we must urgently phase out fossil fuels. That means rejecting new oil and gas developments like the Cambo field and for Governments to sit down with workers and communities to plan a fair transition away from oil and gas.”

“The Scottish Government should be acting on the advice of these climate scientists not listening to oil companies and big polluters who are putting their profits above the survival of millions of people.”

The International Energy Agency recently warned that there can be no new coal, oil or gas developments opened if the world is to stay within the 1.5C temperature limit as agreed by nations.

Last week, an open letter signed by 80,000 people was delivered to Downing Street urging the UK Government to stop the vast new Cambo oil field off Shetland. The field contains around 800 million barrels of oil and the first phase of its development would create pollution equivalent to 16 coal fired power stations.

Both the Scottish Greens and UK Labour Party have said they do not support the development of the Cambo field. Opening up a huge new oil field risks undermining the UN climate talks due to take place in Glasgow in November. The Scottish Government has failed to speak out against the new Cambo field.

ENDS