SCOTTISH Labour have called on Nicola Sturgeon to publicly oppose the Cambo oil field ahead of COP26.
The decision on whether to approve drilling for oil on the site, located to the west of the Shetland islands, is not within the Scottish Government's powers.
The call from Labour comes as world leaders are due to gather in Glasgow for the COP26 climate conference in less than three months' time.
If given the go-ahead, the crude oil field co-owned by Siccar Point Energy and Shell could extract at least 150 million barrels of oil in its first phase.
Environmental campaigners at Oxfam Scotland estimate that the 132 million tonnes of CO2 emissions that the field would produce would need an area of land 1.5 times the size of Scotland to counteract them.
READ MORE: Activists slam Boris Johnson claim he is 'not aware' of Shetland oil field
A report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) claimed global warming will continue into at least the middle of this century, but failure to take action to limit CO2 emissions now would mean the target set by governments – of remaining below 1.5C of warming – will be missed.
The report also claimed global warming could even exceed 2C in this century without urgent action.
The decision to approve the drilling project is not devolved to Holyrood but pressure has been growing on the Scottish Government to publicly oppose the plans.
The First Minister was approached by climate activists during a visit to the Govanhill Carnival in her Glasgow Southside constituency on Saturday.
Sturgeon said that the decision to approve the oil drilling site was "not an issue for the Scottish Government" in response to activists but Labour are now calling on her to "set the right example" ahead of the UN climate conference in November.
WATCH: Nicola Sturgeon challenged by climate activists over Cambo oil field
Labour net-zero spokesperson Monica Lennon has written to the First Minister, calling on her to speak out.
“With all eyes on Scotland ahead of COP26, it has never been more important to meet our obligations to the world and set the right example,” she said.
“This means taking an unequivocal position on new oil and gas plans, such as the proposed Cambo oil field off the west coast of Shetland.”
She added: “Despite the lack of leadership from ministers in the UK and Scottish governments, the people-powered Stop Cambo campaign is gaining momentum.
“This is thanks to the courage and passion of citizens across Scotland and beyond.
“They deserve to know that our political leaders understand the science and are paying attention.
READ MORE: Tory ministers criticised for 'cosying up' to oil and gas lobby on day of UN climate report
“First Minister, they need you to use your voice and influence to oppose Cambo.
“Workers and communities need to see that the Scottish Government is actively working to deliver a just transition to a green economy and has a credible energy plan.
“For the sake of our planet, I am asking the Scottish Government to join with Scottish Labour and campaigners in opposing the Cambo oil field.”
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