Commit Scotland to joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance
Climate science is unequivocal – to limit global warming to 1.5C - the Paris Agreement goal – there can be no new oil and gas developments.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) have stated very simply that in order to reach global net zero by 2050 there should be ‘no new oil and gas fields approved for development’ and ‘no need for investment in new fossil fuel supply’.
Several countries are already banning new oil and gas. The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA https://beyondoilandgasalliance.com/ ), launched at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, brings together a number of countries – Sweden, Denmark, France, Ireland, Greenland, Costa Rica. Scotland should note that Wales is also a member, so being part of the UK is no bar to joining this commitment. Quebec has also joined. California, New Zealand and Portugal are associate members, while Italy, Finland and Luxembourg are ‘Friends of BOGA’.
BOGA gives a very simple explanation of why they are taking this action:
<<Estimates suggest that globally, if we are to have a reasonable chance of avoiding dangerous climate change, by 2050 we can burn no more than: 42% of current proven oil reserves, and 41% of current proven gas reserves.
<<In 2030, governments’ production plans and projections would lead to around 240% more coal, 57% more oil, and 71% more gas than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C
This needs to change.
BOGA’s core members are committing to end new concessions, licensing or leasing rounds and to set a Paris-aligned date for ending oil and gas production.
To date, the issue of phasing out oil and gas production – that is the supply-side of the equation – has not received sufficient attention in the global climate discussions. BOGA seeks to change this.
Curbing demand for oil and gas is crucial, but it’s not a case of demand or supply, we need action on demand and supply. We need to cut with both hands of the scissors, if we are to reduce emissions, avoid significant stranded assets, and benefit from the opportunities associated with the net-zero transition.>>
Will Scotland join BOGA?
The International Energy Agency (IEA) have stated very simply that in order to reach global net zero by 2050 there should be ‘no new oil and gas fields approved for development’ and ‘no need for investment in new fossil fuel supply’.
Several countries are already banning new oil and gas. The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA https://beyondoilandgasalliance.com/ ), launched at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, brings together a number of countries – Sweden, Denmark, France, Ireland, Greenland, Costa Rica. Scotland should note that Wales is also a member, so being part of the UK is no bar to joining this commitment. Quebec has also joined. California, New Zealand and Portugal are associate members, while Italy, Finland and Luxembourg are ‘Friends of BOGA’.
BOGA gives a very simple explanation of why they are taking this action:
<<Estimates suggest that globally, if we are to have a reasonable chance of avoiding dangerous climate change, by 2050 we can burn no more than: 42% of current proven oil reserves, and 41% of current proven gas reserves.
<<In 2030, governments’ production plans and projections would lead to around 240% more coal, 57% more oil, and 71% more gas than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C
This needs to change.
BOGA’s core members are committing to end new concessions, licensing or leasing rounds and to set a Paris-aligned date for ending oil and gas production.
To date, the issue of phasing out oil and gas production – that is the supply-side of the equation – has not received sufficient attention in the global climate discussions. BOGA seeks to change this.
Curbing demand for oil and gas is crucial, but it’s not a case of demand or supply, we need action on demand and supply. We need to cut with both hands of the scissors, if we are to reduce emissions, avoid significant stranded assets, and benefit from the opportunities associated with the net-zero transition.>>
Will Scotland join BOGA?
Why the contribution is important
BOGA is designed to raise climate ambition among governments through high-level political dialogue alongside policy and technical support related to oil and gas production phase-out and just transition. Through a cumulative, tiered membership structure, BOGA will provide the means and motivation to increase ambition over time.
BOGA fully recognises that some countries will have a greater capacity to phase-out oil and gas production faster. Industrialised countries must lead the way.
Joining BOGA as soon as possible - in time for COP27?? would be a wonderful opportunity for Scotland to prove its seriousness in transitioning away from oil and gas.
BOGA fully recognises that some countries will have a greater capacity to phase-out oil and gas production faster. Industrialised countries must lead the way.
Joining BOGA as soon as possible - in time for COP27?? would be a wonderful opportunity for Scotland to prove its seriousness in transitioning away from oil and gas.
by carolynburch on September 04, 2022 at 11:24AM
Posted by RichardRaggett September 04, 2022 at 11:44
But, we have to face head on the crisis we are in. The UN, the IPCC, the IEA are all shouting loud and clear that we have to end reliance on fossil fuels; moreover, we have to make very deep cuts by 2030 to have any chance of limiting temperature rise to anything below 2 degrees C.
Nations have to step up; for Scotland to join BOGA would send a very strong signal to the World (to those already suffering loss of livelihood and lif, to oil companies and to Scotland's citizens) alongside its Loss and Damage Fund that it is serious. It would help set Scotland on the path to Net Zero by taking on such grave commitments - it would have to back up this atcion with strong policies.
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Posted by Cvrtm September 05, 2022 at 10:55
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Posted by francesmguy September 09, 2022 at 10:15
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