Fossil fuels release harmful emissions when burned that contribute to climate change. Northern Ireland as part of the UK is legally bound to reduce its CO2 emissions under the Kyoto protocol and by the Climate change act 2008. With these two facts in mind it seems strange that in 2011 the Northern Ireland Assembly Minister for Trade Arlene Foster has granted licences to at least two oil exploration companies to carry out feasibility trials, including the drilling of oil wells, in Northern Ireland. The prospective sites include Rathlin Island and Cairncastle outside Larne. There are many sound reasons why this is a very bad idea including - the potential danger to our environment, the negative impact on wildlife habitats and on the burgeoning tourism industry. Drilling for underground oil in Northern Ireland will further exacerbate our dependence on fossil fuels for energy rather than encouraging support for the cleaner, greener alternatives. We the undersigned urge Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland Assembly Minister for Trade and Enterprise, to immediately revoke all licences granted for oil exploration in Northern Ireland, not to grant any in future and to affirm her commitment to reducing carbon emissions.