National poet urges Swinney to back ‘fast and fair’ move away from fossil fuels

Scotland’s national poet has called on John Swinney to back calls for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty – which could see a “fast and fair” global transition away from oil and gas.

Makar Kathleen Jamie, together with writers AL Kennedy and Sara Sheridan, made the plea as protesters gathered at Holyrood on Thursday calling on the First Minister to take action.

Meanwhile, Scotlands Catholic bishops have also issued a plea for a “rapid transition away from fossil fuels”, with the faith leaders insisting such a move is “vital” to meet the “urgent needs” of the planet in the face of climate change.

The demands come as world leaders have gathered for the Cop29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In an open letter to Mr Swinney, signed by some 2,900 people, the Makar and others argued that what is needed is “international co-operation and an agreement to stop new fossil fuel extraction, phase out current production and manage a global transition away from oil, gas and coal in a manner that is both fast and fair, particularly to the global south”.

The letter, backed by a host of campaigning organisations including Christian Aid, Global Justice Now and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, added: “A fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty could do that.”

As the letter was handed in to Holyrood, members of the Paperboats writers collective – a group of writers focused on issues of nature and the environment – floated paper boats with messages from the public urging the First Minister to take action on the ponds outside the Parliament.

Elsewhere, campaigners in the North Sea Knitters group laid out a 20-metre red scarf to represent the red line of temperature rise that the world must stay below.

Liz Murray, head of Scottish campaigns at Global Justice Now, said: “The world urgently needs a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels and to renewable energy.”

She added: “Countries most impacted by the climate crisis, yet least responsible for it, are leading the call for a fossil fuel treaty to make this happen and Scotland must back their proposal.

“The treaty would give a global road map for an energy transition that is fair and leaves no community, country or worker behind. It’s time for Scotland to stand up for our collective future.”

Jan Stacey, of Paperboats, said: “The Scottish writers, poets and storytellers of Paperboats are proud to add our voices to call for the First Minister to back the fossil fuel treaty.

“In this climate emergency, Scotland’s story must be one of being on the side of a liveable planet – and the fossil fuel treaty offers a fair, just and practical way for global communities to come together to do that.”

Earlier, all of Scotland’s Catholic bishops had made a plea for world leaders gathered in Baku to “agree to and establish a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels”.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said that while the country must “contribute” to this effort, any transition must have “justice at its core” for those working in the fossil fuel sector.

In a joint statement, they said: “Scotland must contribute to the global effort for the common good by playing its part in a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “We are clear that any further extraction and use of fossil fuels must be consistent with Scotland’s climate obligations and just transition commitments.

“It is vital that we take an evidence-based approach to the energy transition, which ensures that we support and retain the skills and investment needed for the transition to net zero.

“Decisions on North Sea oil and gas licensing are reserved to the UK Government.

“We have consistently said that these should be made on a case-by-case basis and include rigorous assessments of both climate compatibility and energy security.”