Scotland Day in Copenhagen

Scotland’s plans to make its mark at world climate change summit.

This week Scotland has made its mark on tackling climate change at Copenhagen.  The Scottish Government and the newly formed 2020 Climate Delivery group set out its world-leading approach to tackling climate change in a group which included First Minister Alex Salmond and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson.

Flying the flag for Scotland, attendees promoted Scotland’s world-leading climate change targets and pushed for a similarly ambitious global agreement at the United Nation Climate Change Conference.

Stewart Stevenson delivered a keynote speech during a day of events and discussions focusing on Scotland’s contribution to the global debate. Today (Tuesday), the First Minister will sign a joint-statement with The Maldives President, Mohamed Nasheed, which will outline plans to work together to combat the global threat of climate change.
This meeting will form a partnership between Scotland – a leader in international best practice on climate change – and The Maldives, which is one of the countries most vulnerable to rising sea levels through global warming.

The First Minister will also appear next to Californian Governor and one-time movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of an opening ‘commitment ceremony’.

Speaking on the eve of Scotland’s Low Carbon Mission, Mr Stevenson said:

“The eyes of the world are now on Copenhagen in the hope of an agreement for real action on climate change being achieved. The Scottish Government has already taken the lead with our ambitious Climate Change (Scotland) Act to cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2020 and we are continuing to demonstrate that leadership to world leaders by being here at this vital UN summit, where our strong example can inspire other nations to equally ambitious action.”

“Legislation alone won’t bring about the move to a low carbon economy and therefore this Government is taking action which will lead to real changes in everyday actions. Scotland’s Low Carbon Emission event at Copenhagen will draw on the support of businesses; the public sector; voluntary and community groups; and civic society, including the conference on human rights and climate justice held in Glasgow last month.

“Across the developed world, we need a cohesive approach to tackling climate change and I like many others from around the world want to see real progress being made this week.”

The Low Carbon Mission will also include addresses from key representatives from Scottish society, as well as leading speakers on climate change.