PROBLEMS AT GRANGEMOUTH SHOW VULNERABILITY OF SCOTTISH ECONOMY TO OIL SHOCKS - GREENS

The consequences of the dispute at Grangemouth provide a vivid illustration of Scotland’s dependence on dwindling oil supplies, and the urgent need to prepare for a post-oil economy, Greens today argued. Scotland’s oil supplies from the North Sea peaked in 1999 (1), and the global supply is expected to peak over at some point over the next few years.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“The clearest message to take from this situation is that Scotland must break its dependence on oil, not only for the sake of the environment which we depend on, but also for the sake of the economy. Despite the clear threat of climate change, despite the impending impact of peak oil, and despite the serious impact we’ve seen when fuel shortages arose as a result of the protests in late 2000, no government of any party has made serious preparations for a life after oil.

“It’s galling to hear Ministers in this government - and previous Ministers from the Labour/Liberal coalition - throw abuse at each other about how to handle this short term crisis, when none of them have taken steps to address the long term challenges which will become unavoidable.”

Notes

1. See: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article3803252.ece

2. The French government predicts a global peak in 2013. See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4077802.stm

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