SNP back Rosebank and Jackdaw: comment

“The political discourse often ignores the reality that the North Sea is a mature basin in decline with around 90% of the oil and gas having been extracted [2]. Experts and the industry itself agree that new licenses won’t stop this decline or lower energy bills, as the prices for any oil or gas extracted are set by international markets.

“Rosebank’s reserves are 90% oil and it’s worth noting that the UK exports 80% of the oil it produces [2], which doesn’t help Scottish families struggling with the high cost of petrol. Wind and solar are already shielding Scottish bill payers from the worst of the volatile fossil fuel markets. Achieving net zero is the only scientific way by which we stop climate change, but it is also means Scotland being able to unplug itself from the volatile global energy system.”

“With many experts suggesting the world is heading towards its hottest year ever, backing Rosebank also brings into question climate credentials at a time when official reports are pointing to the risk of ecosystem collapse and the threat that poses to food security.”