Bishops make plea for ‘rapid transition’ away from fossil fuels

Scotland’s Bishops are calling on the country to play its part in a “rapid transition away from fossil fuels” – insisting the move is “vital” to meet the “urgent needs” of the planet in the face of climate change.

As the global Cop29 climate change summit continues in Azerbaijan, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland made a plea for a move away from fuels such as oil and gas.

However in a statement released during the UN gathering, the religious leaders said while Scotland must “contribute” to this effort, they stressed the need for any transition to have “justice at its core” for those working in the fossil fuel sector.

In their plea, the Bishops called on world leaders gathered in Baku to “agree to and establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels”.

Archbishop William Nolan will celebrate a mass on Thursday where prayers will be offered for meaningful change to be achieved at Cop29 (John Linton/PA). PA Media

Their statement comes as Archbishop William Nolan of the Archdiocese of Glasgow prepares to celebrate a mass in the city’s St Andrew’s Cathedral in which prayers will be offered for meaningful change being agreed at Cop29.

He said: “I urge governments at Cop29 to overcome national interests and pledge themselves to concrete action now.”

In their joint statement, Scotland’s Bishops said establishing a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty is “vital to address the urgent needs of our planet and its people both in Scotland and overseas”.

They said: “Scotland must contribute to the global effort for the common good by playing its part in a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.

“It is vital, however, that this transition has justice at its core. Recognising the many workers and communities in Scotland who have relied on fossil fuels for their livelihoods, we emphasise that any proposition to move away from fossil fuels must cite clear commitments to a just and equitable transition for all, in particular those in need of secure jobs in the post-carbon economy.

“As we move forward, let us embrace the challenge of Cop29 with hope and determination, fostering a sustainable future for all. Together, we can answer the call for justice and stewardship of our planet.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “We are clear that any further extraction and use of fossil fuels must be consistent with Scotland’s climate obligations and just transition commitments.

“It is vital that we take an evidence-based approach to the energy transition, which ensures that we support and retain the skills and investment needed for the transition to net zero.

“Decisions on North Sea oil and gas licensing are reserved to the UK Government. We have consistently said that these should be made on a case-by-case basis and include rigorous assessments of both climate compatibility and energy security.”