Response from the Scottish Government highlights opportunities for health from climate action

Last month, the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change called on the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to speak out against consent for the Rosebank and Jackdaw oilfields due to the significant health risks they pose, both for the UK and global populations.

We received a response from the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP. In the letter, the Cabinet Secretary said that any further extraction and use of fossil fuels must be consistent with our climate obligations and just transition commitments and reinforced the government’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2045.

We welcome the recognition by the Scottish Government, as outlined in the letter, of the importance of the environment to health and wellbeing and that “Failing to tackle these challenges would have far reaching consequences for our health, our
wellbeing, and our health and care systems. Yet, in climate action lies a great opportunity to improve the health of our population.”