The Scottish Government will no longer support unlimited recovery of hydrocarbons including oil and gas, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reiterated.
The Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party Agreement have set out the position that countries around the world, including the UK, ‘cannot continue with unlimited recovery of hydrocarbons if the aims of the Paris Agreement are to be met’.
The focus will now be on achieving ‘the fastest possible just transition’ for the oil and gas sector, one that delivers jobs and economic benefit, ensures energy security, and meets climate obligations.
In a speech to students and Strathclyde University on 25th October, the First Minister set out plans for an analysis of Scotland’s energy needs to be undertaken taken to determine how the energy sector can help deliver our contribution to the Paris targets.
The First Minister stated: “We must accept that unlimited recovery of hydrocarbons is not consistent with meeting the aims of the Paris Agreement.
“The transition to net zero can and will bring many opportunities for economic and environmental progress.
“Our commitment to supporting a Just Transition for Scotland, and for the oil and gas sector, will ensure that we assist the workforce to capture those future opportunities.
“In Scotland, our just transition will put fairness for workers and communities front and centre. That focus on justice and fairness will be central to Scotland’s approach to COP26.”
The First Minister’s speech is available on the Scottish Government website.
