As he prepares to join the UK delegation at the COP18 climate talks in Doha next week, Scottish Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP is being urged to reaffirm Scotland’s commitment to demonstrating how developed countries can tackle climate change.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is calling on developed countries to follow Scotland’s lead by agreeing to ambitious reductions in emissions during the international climate negotiations in Doha. The Scottish Government can play its part by:
- Showing strong leadership to agree legally binding international cuts in carbon emissions at a level adequate to stop catastrophic climate change, particularly through a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.
- Supporting developing countries to adapt to climate change and to develop in a low carbon way by championing the Green Climate Fund, leading international discussions on sourcing vital public money, and ensuring that the funds reach those in most need. Promote Scotland’s Climate Justice Fund as an example of leadership in this area.
- Demonstrating the commitment already shown in Scotland through the Scottish Climate Change Act and the social, economic and environmental benefits of developing our green economy.
Tom Ballantine, Chair of SCCS said:
“Time is running out as the only agreement we currently have – the Kyoto Protocol – is due to end in a matter of weeks. A second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol must be agreed in Doha to take us through beyond the end of this year. We then urgently need a follow-on agreement if we are to keep emissions under control and avoid the catastrophic effects of runaway global warming.
“The Scottish Government has shown solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable people affected by climate change by establishing a Climate Justice Fund. This is a great example of the kind of action needed by all developed countries to help those suffering elsewhere because of our actions.
“However, earlier this year it was confirmed Scotland had missed the first domestic target in the Climate Change Act. More effort is needed, particularly in our housing and transport sectors. For the Scottish Government to continue promoting our climate leadership abroad, we need to ensure that ambition is matched by action at home, only then will we truly demonstrate climate leadership.”
