Stevenson Calls On Banffshire & Buchan Coast Residents To Switch Off For Earth Hour

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has given his backing to WWF’s Earth Hour and has urged local residents, businesses and organisations to do the same by switching off on Saturday 31^st March.

From 8:30 on 31 March, millions of people around the world will turn their lights off for 60 minutes to demonstrate their support for action against the impact of climate change on people and wildlife across the world.

This year, in addition to the lights going out at iconic Scottish locations, including Edinburgh Castle, WWF is encouraging community groups and local organisations to join in the fun.

Ideas for celebrating include: star-gazing, torch-lit nature walks,candle-lit suppers or pub-quizzes and even games of golf in the dark.  To register for this year's event please visit: www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“Scotland has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change, with targets for carbon emission reductions that are world-leading. Yet if we are to tackle this problem we need people from all parts of the world to follow this example which is why WWF’s Earth Hour is so important.  

“By coming together to signal our determination to tackle climate change through millions of people turning off their lights for an hour, hopefully we can inspire more countries around the world to take the action needed to address the problem.

“It is often the poorest countries that will suffer the biggest effects of climate change, which is why just this week the Scottish Government confirmed that we will launch a Climate Justice Fund to help the least developed countries adapt to the effects of climate change. 

“I am proud of Scotland’s efforts on tackling climate change and I hope that many people in Banffshire & Buchan Coast will switch off on the 31^st of March to show their support for tackling this global problem.”

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:

"WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. MSPs are leaders in their communities and their support is very welcome.

“It’s reassuring that climate change remains on the political agenda here in Scotland, with the local council elections just round the corner.  As well as politicians, business and local authorities, we hope lots of individuals and community groups feel inspired to take part too.”

Stevenson Backs National 'No Smoking' Day

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is encouraging his constituents to use the awareness-raising campaign of National No Smoking Day as the perfect opportunity to give up the habit.

Smoking continues to be one of the main causes of preventable illness and death in Scotland, and with Wednesday 14th March being this year’s date to highlight the benefits of giving up cigarettes, Mr Stevenson wants to see more local residents take advantage of this opportunity.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“People start smoking at different ages and for a wide variety of reasons, however doing so over a long-term period significantly damages your health.

“Whether it be only a few each day, or many, it all adds up eventually and most smokers if given the choice, want to give up.

“The smoking ban in 2006 in public places made it increasingly unacceptable to smoke socially, and there is little incentive so stand outside pubs, clubs, and workplaces.

“The feeling of success in giving up smoking and leading a healthier, more active lifestyle, is priceless and with a little willpower and plenty professional support available from the health service, National No Smoking Day is another great opportunity to get rid of the habit.”

Scotland To Launch Climate Justice Fund

Scotland will launch a ‘Climate Justice Fund’ this spring in response to the impact of climate change on the world’s poorest communities, it was announced today.

In what is understood to be the first parliamentary debate on the issue worldwide, the Scottish Parliament debated climate justice today. The debate highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on the world’s poorest – who despite contributing the least to the causes of climate change, in terms of carbon emissions, are worst equipped to respond to it.

During the debate Minister for Environment and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson confirmed the Scottish Government manifesto commitment to co-ordinate a climate adaptation fund will be taken forward, by launching Scotland’s Climate Justice Fund in the coming months. The announcement follows the First Minister championing the need for climate justice during recent visits to China and the Gulf.

Mr Stevenson said:

“It is a travesty that it’s the poorest people in the world’s most undeveloped countries who are hardest hit by climate change. They are least able to respond to the impact of increasingly erratic weather patterns and ever more frequent climate-related disasters. This situation cannot continue and the onus is on the international community to take action.

“Therefore I’m pleased to confirm to Parliament today that the Scottish Government is progressing plans to establish a Scottish Climate Justice Fund, which will be launched in the next few months.

“Our parliamentary debate on climate justice is understood to be a world first, with Scotland making clear to other industrialised nations that action is needed – and sending a message to developing countries that we understand the urgency of the situation. I’m determined that Scotland will continue to provide leadership and take action on these key issues.”

Scotland’s Climate Justice Fund – which will meet the manifesto commitment to co-ordinate the establishment of a climate adaptation fund – is expected to be operational from the spring, with further plans to be announced in the coming months.