Rishi Sunak came to Scotland offering more North Sea drilling and carbon capture. We reject both | Mary Church

Rishi Sunak’s Visit to Scotland and the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Rishi Sunak’s recent visit to Scotland did not bring about any significant new policies on energy, economy, or climate change. Instead, he reiterated plans to issue numerous new oil and gas licenses in the coming years, which goes against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Climate Denial and Government Policies

The UK government’s support for the oil and gas sector, including its avoidance of windfall tax payments and failure to fulfill overseas climate finance commitments, reflects a climate denial stance. This is concerning, especially in light of recent extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, and floods.

The Acorn Carbon Capture Project

During his visit, Sunak announced £20bn in public funding for the Acorn carbon capture project in Aberdeenshire. However, the project’s focus on carbon capture as a solution to the climate crisis is questionable, as it allows for continued use of oil and gas until the 2050s, despite the scientific consensus on the need to transition away from fossil fuels.

Carbon Capture’s Limitations

Carbon capture has a history of over-promising and under-delivering. It is often presented as a way to address emissions from hard-to-reduce sectors like cement and steel. However, the North Sea carbon capture plans go beyond what the UK actually needs and aim to turn the region into Europe’s carbon dumping ground.

Fossil Fuel Industry Interests

The plan to subsidize carbon capture projects primarily benefits fossil fuel industry bosses and does not contribute to securing our energy future or creating sustainable jobs in the region.

A Just Transition and Workers’ Blueprint

Instead of relying on speculative techno-fixes, political parties should prioritize just transition plans that consider the needs of workers and communities. The “Our Power” blueprint, supported by offshore workers and trade unions, calls for clear pathways out of high-carbon jobs, investment in renewable energy manufacturing, tax reforms, and public ownership of the energy system.

Green Jobs and Energy Transformations

Contrary to Sunak’s claims about jobs versus climate, a managed phase-out of oil and gas can lead to three green jobs for every job at risk. The history of the North Sea oil industry demonstrates that energy transformations can be achieved within short timeframes when there is political will.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they discuss energy policy, economic growth, climate denial, and the need for climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

These targets are relevant because they address the need for renewable energy, resource efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and climate change integration.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Share of renewable energy in the energy mix
• Resource-use efficiency in consumption and production
• Adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies
• Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by assessing the current status and trends in renewable energy, resource efficiency, technology adoption, and climate change integration.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theguardian.com

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