Climate Change In The Commonwealth

The first successful recipients of the Commonwealth Saltire Professional Fellowship from Kenya and Ghana are visiting Scotland as part of a scheme to share expertise on the impacts of climate change.

As part of the varied trip programme, the six Fellows met Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson after being invited to First Minister's Questions.

As part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid commitment, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission introduced a series of awards to allow key mid-career professionals from Commonwealth countries to undertake short term Fellowships with relevant organisations in Scotland.

Mr Stevenson said:

"This is an excellent opportunity for expertise and knowledge to be shared throughout Commonwealth nations, particularly with those countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. I trust that our visitors from Kenya and Ghana will gain insights from their time in Scotland on our climate change efforts, in the same way we can learn from them.

"It's sensible that while we celebrate an event such as the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland, we use these opportunities to address the more solemn matters facing our nations. Sharing knowledge and skills in an international arena is the best way we can all hope to win the race against climate change."

Minister for Commonwealth Games Shona Robison said:

"The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games offer vast opportunities to put Scotland on the path to a healthier and more successful future. And as a government we want to deliver a legacy that is both ambitious and will capitalise on this once in a generation opportunity of hosting a major international sporting event in the heart of Scotland.

"I congratulate these first successful applicants to the fellowship scheme. As well as fulfilling one of the key host nation bid requirements, this initiative will ensure a green games legacy by sharing best practice with Commonwealth nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change."

The Commonwealth Saltire Professional Fellowships on Climate Change were introduced to meet the Glasgow 2014 commitment to set up a carbon emissions reductions fund.

Fellowships are targeted at supporting those working on climate change mitigation and adaption measures in Commonwealth countries, particularly those countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This will allow Scotland to assist other countries through knowledge and skills transfer in strength areas such as:

• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Renewable Generation
• Climate Change Research
• Community Action on Climate Change