Press release

Oil shortages require that the Executive plans for a low carbon future

10 February 2011

Following the Wikileaks revelations that Saudi oil reserves have been over-estimated by as much as 40 per cent, Friends of the Earth [1] today called on the Assembly to break our addiction to oil and make the shift to a low-carbon economy. The green group claimed politicians could start by providing more support for the Green New Deal.

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Declan Allison, said the Saudi oil Wikileaks cables [2] showed how vulnerable Northern Ireland is to fuel price shocks. He continued:

"We are about 99 per cent dependent on imported energy. Much of that is home heating oil. The price of oil topped $100 a barrel last week and these Wikileaks revelations are likely to push it even higher. Northern Ireland already has a disproportionate number of people living in fuel poverty. Any fuel price hikes will push more households over the edge."

Mr Allison welcomed the money allocated to the Green New Deal [3] in the budget but said it wasn't enough.

"If the Executive is serious about tackling fuel poverty, increasing energy security and creating thousands of jobs it should make a serious commitment to the Green New Deal. The £4m per year set aside in the budget will barely scratch the surface. Ministers should revisit the draft budget and allocate enough funds to do the job properly. A low-carbon future is coming whether we're prepared for it or not - best to be prepared by making our homes more energy efficient and weaning ourselves off expensive oil."

Notes

(1). Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. We campaign on a range of issues including climate change, biodiversity, waste, transport and food. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk

(2). According to Wikileaks, Sadad al-Husseini, former head of exploration at the Saudi oil company Aramco, claimed oil production could peak as early as 2012. In another cable al-Husseini claimed Saudi oil reserves are overstated by 300 billion barrels, or about 40 per cent.

The US consul in Saudi Arabia said, "While al-Husseini fundamentally contradicts the Aramco company line, he is no doomsday theorist. His pedigree, experience and outlook demand that his predictions be thoughtfully considered."

(3). The draft budget allocates £4m/year for 4 years to the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal group made a bid for £72m over 3 years as part of a package to retrofit 100,000 costing £253m. For more information go to www.greennewdealni.org

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust