QPSW call for action on tar sand
QPSW asks Friends to call on their MP to back EU legislation to keep tar sands fuel out of Europe
Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) is asking Friends to call on their MP to back EU legislation to keep tar sands fuel out of Europe. Environmental groups argue that tar sands oil produces twenty-three per cent more carbon emissions from extraction to consumption than conventional oil.
A Fuel Quality Directive has been proposed by the European Commission that could label the fuel as ‘highly polluting’. This would effectively block it from EU markets. However, the UK government is calling on the EU not to implement this labelling policy. The delay may give the industry time to start imports into Europe.
James Hansen, former NASA climate scientist, said that continuation of tar sands extraction will be ‘game over’ for the fight against catastrophic climate change.
QPSW describes the process of tar sands extraction as ‘perhaps the most extreme form of the new and intensive extraction methods being developed around the globe’.
Chris Walker, Sustainability and Peace programme coordinator, QPSW, said: ‘The game plan for the tar sands industry is to keep us hooked on oil. This is dangerous for our climate, and the extraction harms local people and ecosystems. That’s why QPSW is committed to help block tar sands oil from Europe. We hope Friends across the country will join us. For further information contact chrisw@quaker.org.uk’.
Friends are asked to call on their MP to sign the supportive Early Day Motion sponsored by Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP.
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