SCOTLAND’S Climate Change Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham is preparing to outline the priorities of the Scottish Government on global warming at an international summit.
Cunningham will today address the Under2 Coalition general assembly in Madrid, part of the wider COP25 summit, run by the United Nations. The speech comes a week before the formal decision is due to be made on Glasgow being named the host city of COP26 in November next year.
Ahead of her speech, Cunningham said: “Our priorities are evolving and will depend on the outcome of negotiations this week and ongoing discussions with the UK Government and colleagues from Wales and Northern Ireland.
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“However, it is clear that COP26 must set the world on course for a net-zero future by mid-century.
“In Scotland, we have taken great strides over the past year – we have set ourselves new and ambitious targets in law for a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045.”
Cunningham added she hoped the Glasgow summit would be “inclusive, respectful and collaborative”.
She said: “My hope for COP26 is that it will support global efforts to transition to a net-zero world in a way that is fair and just.
“We must leave no-one behind. I also want it to demonstrate what partnerships at all levels can achieve.
“If the UK bid to host next year’s summit is accepted, I want Glasgow to be an inclusive COP where all voices can be heard in a respectful and collaborative way.”
The announcement of Glasgow being the venue for next year’s summit was made earlier this year, but the formal designation will not be made until the end of this year’s conference.
Environmental charity the World Wildlife Foundation has called for next year’s summit to build on this month’s developments.
Its climate and policy manager in Scotland, Robin Parker, said: “It’s imperative the climate talks in Glasgow next year maintain and grow momentum from those taking place just now in Madrid.”
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