A new poll has found majority support for the move away from oil and gas on environmental grounds.
Barely one in five of those asked oppose Scotland beginning a just transition away from the fossil fuel based industries.
Scotland’s tough climate change targets have thrown the spotlight on how fast the country can move away from hydrocarbons in the north sea.
The SNP /Green Government opposes plans for the new Cambo oil field in Shetland and is instead focusing on expanding renewable energy.
However, the UK Government favours Cambo and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday the UK may need to produce more oil and gas to reduce reliance on Russia.
A poll commissioned by the Scottish Greens, and carried out by Survation, found 53% agreeing that Scotland must start its move away from oil and gas.
Around one fifth, 22%, neither supported nor opposed the proposition, while 18% were against it and 7% said “don’t know”.
Despite the Scottish government’s commitment to a just transition, divisions exist within the SNP on oil and gas.
Some parliamentarians fear moving away from the industry will increase Scotland’s reliance on oil and gas from overseas.
Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “The area I represent, the north east of Scotland, has been particularly dependent on the oil and gas sector for jobs in recent decades.
“That is why a just transition away from oil and gas and toward the industries of the future, where we can create thousands of cleaner, greener jobs, is so important, and why I’m delighted to see that a majority of Scots support one.
“With Greens in government we are expanding Scotland’s renewable capacity and have committed to a £500 million just transition deal for the north east, to support the communities and workers who have relied on the fossil fuel industries for work to move to the energy industries of the future.
“It’s clear the public understand that ending Scotland’s overreliance on oil and gas and investing in a just transition for workers and communities is a win win for our planet and economy.”
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