NICOLA Sturgeon is being urged to show “global leadership” on climate change by stepping up Scotland’s efforts to reduce emissions.
Campaigners at Oxfam made the plea as they published a new report on the “terrifying global reality” of the problem – which they say hits the most vulnerable people in the world the hardest.
Oxfam Scotland is now calling on the Scottish Government to set a zero net emissions target – where the amount of greenhouse gases produced is not greater than those which are removed by measures such as planting forests and carbon capture and storage.
The Scottish Government is already proposing a 90 per cent cut in emissions by 2050 – up from the 80 per cent it had originally set out in legislation.
Speaking ahead of global talks which get under way in Bonn, Germany, on Monday, Lisa Stewart, campaigns and communications manager at Oxfam Scotland, argued further action was necessary.
She said: “Scotland must send a clear message ahead of these talks that we reject any back-sliding on climate change and, in doing so, the First Minister has the opportunity to cement Scotland’s reputation on climate justice whilst demonstrating substantial global leadership.”
Sturgeon is due to take part in the discussions in Bonn and Stewart added: “The First Minister has promised to show global leadership on climate change and now she must live up to her words by committing Scotland to a target of zero net emissions.”
Research showed people living in poorer countries were more likely to have to leave their home because of “supercharged storms, more intense droughts, rising seas and other impacts of climate change”. On average, 21.8 million people each year were forced to move as a result of “ sudden-onset extreme weather disasters”, according to Oxfam.
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