Every country needs to do their bit to help save the planet. Scotland is no different and we need a “just transition” away from fossil fuels that doesn’t leave communities and jobs in tatters.
So it is right the North Sea watchdog has raised concerns over developing the massive Rosebank oil field off the coast.
Twice as large as Cambo, with expectations it would produce a staggering 300million barrels of oil in its first two years online, serious questions need to be asked about whether such a project is compatible with our climate goals.
However, with Russia threatening to cut off gas supplies to Europe for good, the hard reality is we need to develop an energy mix that relies less on imports from hostile foreign lands.
It’s clear, for now, that to keep the lights on, fossil fuels will remain part of that mix for some time. Just how long is the key question.
For its part, the Tory government appears intent on ramping up oil and gas production, with plans for more than 100 new North Sea licences.
Many, understandably, question the wisdom of their approach to the crisis.
Climate science tells us we should be scaling back use of fossil fuels if we are serious about averting a catastrophe.
But circumstances this year have made our predicament even more complicated than ever.
We are left with choices where nearly all of the options have drawbacks.
But the bottom line is we can’t keep kicking hard decisions into the long grass indefinitely.
And we can’t make it other people’s responsibility to tackle climate change.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
