Coal power opposition goes global

WWF

Almost 10,000 people from 100 countries have objected to plans for a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston in Ayrshire, Scotland, it was revealed today (Friday 13 August) by WWF.

With one week to go before the official public consultation period ends, approaching 10,000 people have submitted objections by letter, postcard or via the environmental organisation’s website – http://wwf.panda.org/action/hunterston. From Bangladesh and Bulgaria to Uganda and Venezuela, WWF said that objections are pouring in daily to join the thousands already received from local residents and other concerned individuals throughout Scotland.

The proposal is the only live application for new coal-fired power station in the UK. Although the developers claim it is a clean-coal development, in reality 80 per cent of emissions would go straight into the atmosphere adding to global climate change.

WWF said that those responding have expressed their anger at the plans which would lead to an increase in carbon emissions and make a mockery of Scotland’s world leading climate change targets.

Commenting on the unprecedented show of global opposition to the plans WWF International President, Yolanda Kakabadse, from Ecuador said:

“When Scotland’s world-leading climate laws were passed it was rightly hailed as a great example for the world to follow. Plans for coal-fired power plants that do not capture all the emissions from day one, put that leadership in question. The eyes of the world are watching and hoping that Scotland will reject this proposal and continue to show that climate change can’t be addressed without vision, policy and action – Scotland must continue to walk the talk.”

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:

“With this huge public outcry, it is clear that a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston is not only unnecessary but it is also deeply unpopular. This polluting plant is now being opposed locally, nationally and internationally and will face a very rough ride through the planning process. We urge the Scottish Government to consider the views of people not only in this country, but also from abroad, whose lives could be seriously affected by the damaging effects of climate change.

“Scotland does not need new coal, as research published by WWF and other groups shows. A combination of improved energy efficiency and increased use of Scotland’s wealth of clean renewables is more than adequate.”