Scotland Day in Copenhagen

THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO MAKE ITS MARK AT WORLD CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT

The Scottish Government will set out its world-leading approach to tackling climate change tomorrow (Monday) as the crucial second week of negotiations at the Copenhagen summit begins.

First Minister Alex Salmond and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson will be in Copenhagen this week to promote Scotland’s world-leading climate change targets and to press for a similarly ambitious global agreement at the United Nation Climate Change Conference.

Stewart Stevenson will deliver a keynote speech during a day of events and discussions focusing on Scotland’s contribution to the global debate. A key contributor will be Mary Robinson, former UN Human Rights Commissioner, who will call on governments to deliver a fair, ambitious and binding deal in Denmark.

On 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.

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.”

Mary Robinson, former UN Human Rights Commissioner, said: “Climate change poses a significant threat to human rights, development and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Countries least responsible for causing climate change are suffering most from its impacts. A climate justice approach compels us to share burdens fairly and ensure that polluters pay. We must hold governments accountable for a fair, ambitious and binding deal in Copenhagen and support those governments who are making substantial commitments to cut emissions.”

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

Paul Docherty, Director of the British Council Scotland, said: “Climate change remains an important concern for young people in Scotland. As an international organisation, we believe it is important to support young people to make a real difference at a local level and are pleased to be working alongside our partners the Scottish Government and the University of Edinburgh. Copenhagen is now an opportunity for our Climate Champions to take their message to the heart of the debate and make their voices heard at the top table.”

Background

Participants include Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of Scottish and Southern Energy and head of the newly-formed 2020 Climate Change group; Jane Wood, Chief Executive of Scottish Business in the Community; Professor Alan Miller, Chairman of the Scottish Human Rights Commission; Duncan McLaren of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland; Ibnu Najib, British Council Climate Advocate, Indonesia; Dr Conor Snowden, Senior Climate Change Adviser, British Council; Duncan Botting, Executive Chairman, Scottish European Green Energy Centre; Paul Lewis of Scottish Enterprise, Boudewijm Poelmaan, Chief Executive of People’s Postcode Lottery; Prof James Curran of SEPA.

See the programme at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange

The Low Carbon Mission will be taking place in the Mogens Dahl Koncertsal, Snorresgade 22, DK 2300 København S, tel. +45 70 23 00 82