Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “The science is chillingly and consistently clear: we have reached a critical climate crossroads. It is still possible to limit global heating to 1.5 °C, but only just.
“Devastating droughts, floods and cyclones are striking hammer blows to the low-income countries who did least to cause this crisis. Every fraction of a degree of heating prevented will be counted in millions of lives saved. Rich governments must now end their fossil fuel addictions while funnelling fair funding to low-income countries to counter the damage.
“The Scottish Government’s must deliver on its climate promises to the world: meeting rather than missing upcoming emission reduction targets by funding faster climate action by making polluters pay for their damage.
“We can also afford no more mealy-mouthed meekness on the subject of further exploration and extraction of oil and gas: the planet is on fire; now is not the time to light another match. Humanity’s future lays in decisions taken today: Scottish Ministers must choose the right path and oppose any new licences issued by the UK Government.”
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
