Climate camp activists: We want to have a discussion – not cause a disturbance

Climate activists who have set up one of Scotland’s largest protest camps in a decade have said they do not wish to cause a disturbance to the general public.

Climate Camp Scotland officially opened their camp near the Grangemouth oil refinery on Wednesday evening, with speaker Leonidas Iza of Ecuador’s biggest indigenous organisation. There were about 100 people in attendance.

Campaigner Quan Nguyen told the PA news agency the group wanted the space in Kinneil Park in Bo’ness, near Falkirk, to be open and welcoming for people to discuss the climate emergency, even if they disagreed.

He said: “It’s really open and really supportive, we invite everyone to come in.

“We don’t want to take the space away, we want it to be a space where we can have an open discussion.

“Even if they don’t agree, we’re happy to discuss that.”

Mr Nguyen said there had been quite a lot of interest in the camp.

He said: “We had guests from quite far away, locals joining in, local news drop by and spend a little time on site.”

He acknowledged that climate activism could sometimes be seen as a bit “weird” and a “bit hippy dippy” and that was not his style.

Mr Nguyen added: “What is much more weird is we let these massive corporations exploit the planet and the cost-of-living crisis.

“I know quite a few locals from the Grangrmouth area who have struggled against Ineos for years and years.

“Ineos is the worst polluter and there are so many things coming together – this is the tip of the iceberg.

“We can not only oppose climate change, but improve lives for a better, greener Scotland.”

The camp will be dismantled on Monday.

Climate Camp Scotland say Ineos is one of the highest polluting organisations in Scotland, pumping out carbon dioxide emissions of about 2.4 million tonnes per year, according to figures they obtained from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa).

Campaigners say that the site could be renewed with sustainable jobs and industries.

We are committed to delivering these products safely and maintaining thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while working towards being a net zero manufacturer by 2045

A spokesperson for Ineos, said: “Ineos knows that Climate Camp Scotland will be near Grangemouth and wishes those taking part a safe week.

“This is our home, where we operate a safe sustainable business that serves the Scottish economy well, provides skilled jobs and essential products while meeting its climate responsibilities.

“Ineos is one of the last remaining large-scale manufacturing companies in Scotland.

“We provide many of the basic raw materials that are essential to many of the products that we all use on a daily basis, from mobile phones, to water and gas pipes, to medical products, cars, buses and trains, tents, waterproofs and training shoes. Even wind turbines and solar cells need the products made here by 1000s of skilled workers.

“We are committed to delivering these products safely and maintaining thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while working towards being a net zero manufacturer by 2045.

“And we are making good progress, significantly reducing the emissions from our operations.

“Since buying Grangemouth site Ineos has already reduced emissions by nearly 40%. Our next step, to use hydrogen and carbon capture via the Acorn project, will make our reduction greater than 65%. Our road map beyond this will reduce this further to net zero by 2045.

“We trust those at the camp will consider the safety of themselves and be respectful to the town and those around them while enjoying a peaceful event.”