Question reference: S6W-03929
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 22 October 2021
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 1 December 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the 2021 UN Production Gap Report, which concludes that governments plan to produce more than twice the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and what its position is on the proposed Cambo oil field, in light of the report's conclusion.
Answer
We are committed to ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change by 2045, and to ensuring we do it in a way that is just and leaves no-one behind.
The science is clear that the world cannot go on extracting fossil fuels indefinitely if the necessity of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is to be achieved.
The presumption should be not to develop new oilfields unless there is rigorous assessment showing that it is both necessary and consistent with our obligation to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and in the overall interests of fast and just transition. We have consistently said that the Cambo field should not be given the green light, but should be subject to a rigorous climate compatibility assessment to ensure that it is consistent with emissions reductions targets, the Glasgow Climate Pact commitment to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and in the interests of a fast and just transition.
The challenge for all countries therefore is how quickly the transition from fossil fuels to renewable and low carbon alternatives can be achieved - and to ensure that the transition is a just one. We are undertaking a programme of work and analysis to better understand Scotland’s energy requirements as we transition to net zero, ensuring an approach that supports and protects our energy security and our highly skilled workforce whilst meeting our climate obligations.