Posted on 13 August
2010
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."
