KNITTERS URGE FIRST MINISTER NOT TO CROSS CLIMATE ‘RED LINE’
A group of concerned citizens calling themselves the ‘North Sea Knitters’ gathered outside the Scottish Parliament yesterday to knit a ‘red line’, representing the critical limit of 1.5 degrees of global temperature rise.
Taking place during Scottish Climate Week, as the ‘Knitting for Climate’ group gathers outside the EU Parliament in Brussels, the North Sea Knitters’ message was simple: the Scottish Government needs to stop blaming the climate crisis on individuals and use its powers to speed the phase out of fossil fuels.
The group spoke to MSPs and gave out their famous hand-knitted red scarves to remind them not to lose sight of the 1.5 degrees limit of warming enshrined in the Paris Agreement.
Several MSPs including the First Minister could be seen sporting the red scarves and discussing vital climate issues like the Stop Rosebank campaign, the Peterhead gas power station, and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Scottish Government is currently considering whether to approve a controversial new gas burning power station in Peterhead which would prolong the lifetime of the fossil fuel industry and lock the public into high energy bills and fuel poverty.
Chris Aldred, a member of the North Sea Knitters Group, said: “Knitting is a craft that has been passed down through generations. It symbolises the hope that we can pass on, not just our skills, but a thriving future for all that come after us.
“The knitted red line represents the 1.5C threshold of dangerous planetary warming that nations have committed not to cross. Our scarves are being created through concern, uncertainty and fear for the future, but also through our joy, love and unity.
“The Scottish Government says that climate is a priority but it must turn these words into concrete action to cut pollution now and into the future. This means using its power to firmly reject new fossil fuels, standing up to the oil industry and prioritising the needs of workers through the transition.
“We are allied with our European friends in Knitting for Climate, a movement of people using the art of knitting to express concern over climate change and inadequate political response to the crisis that is already affecting us all. Through our grassroots efforts, we demand climate justice.”
The knitters’ demands for the Scottish Government are:
+ Refuse all on-shore planning permission for fossil fuel infrastructure, including the proposed new gas plant at Peterhead. + Oppose and work to halt extraction from all new oil and gas fields, including Rosebank. + Ensure all public subsidies and tax concessions to fossil fuel companies are revoked. + Back the call for a Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty. + Ensure that workers and communities have a Just Transition to renewables, without allowing the fossil fuel industry to call the shots for the transition.
Plan to help communities understand how climate change impacts their lives
Communities and businesses across Scotland will be given support and tools to help tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change as part of the Scottish Government’s new National Adaptation Plan.
The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SNAP3) sets out a comprehensive suite of more than 200 actions and proposals for managing the current and future impacts of climate change in Scotland.
Climate change means Scotland will experience more extreme weather. Flooding, water scarcity and hot weather can damage our environment, disrupt public transport and affect our supply of foods, vital goods and services. This means that households, communities, businesses and organisations across Scotland are having to consider the impacts of climate change more than ever.
It includes how sectors including agriculture, transport and health as well as businesses and communities will prepare for more extreme weather events, such as flooding, water scarcity and extreme periods of heat.
These include:
£5.5 million of funding this year to complete a national network of Community Climate Action Hubs to drive locally-led climate action across Scotland
investing £400million investment to Scotland’s railway infrastructure to reduce weather-related disruption
facilitating peer-to-peer support to local governments and public services to prepare for the impacts of climate change for local populations
providing advice and support to businesses on how they can future proof their workplaces through practical check-lists on how to prepare for the impacts of climate change
ensuring the NHS Scotland estate is prepared and equipped to deal with extreme heat and flooding
Launching the plan at a visit to the Restoring the River Leven project, First Minister John Swinney said: “While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already locked in giving us wetter winters, drier summers and more weather-related disruption.
“Our new Adaptation Plan is our most comprehensive response to protecting people’s lives and livelihoods against the risks of climate change – with over 200 actions to build climate resilience in our communities, businesses, public services and natural environment.
“I am proud to lead a Scotland that is driving forward the race to net zero, whilst ensuring that our country is ready for the impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing. This can be demonstrated through the Leven River Restoration Project, which has adapted the local landscape to help reduce the amount of flooding in the area, whilst restoring and encouraging wildlife and nature to flourish. It is a fantastic example of how collaborative working can use nature to adapt to the challenges we face at the same time as delivering benefit for the local community.”
Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Scotland’s natural environment is globally renowned and our water environment, as we can see in Leven today, is central to our environmental, economic and social success. Scotland’s water quality is at its highest level ever, with more than 87% of our water environment achieving good or high classification for water quality, with an ambition to go further.
“Our climate is already changing and as Scotland’s environment agency, we’re at the forefront of working with partners to respond and adapt. The Water Environment Fund, including The Leven Project, is a very visible story for change and a great example of how public, private and community sector partners can successfully collaborate to improve water environments, boost flood resilience and deliver community benefits.
“In Scotland’s Climate Week, it’s fitting that we hear directly from young people and community partner’s who’ve worked so hard locally and who’s future depends on the work that together we do today.”
Fife Council Leader Councillor David Ross said: “”Fife Council welcomes the Scottish Government’s new Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which marks an important step forward in the collective fight against climate change.
“Much has changed since Fife Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and, although we have made significant progress on a number of fronts, we are committed to helping our communities prepare for, and respond to, the effects of climate change.
“The First Minister’s visit to the Restoring the River Leven project highlights the remarkable progress that can be achieved through strong partnership working, in this instance between Fife Council, SEPA, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and local communities.
“This close collaboration has also led to – and will lead to – additional benefits through the Levenmouth Connectivity Project, the Active Travel Network and River Park Routes as well as The River Park Project that sit alongside the restoration project as part of the wider Leven Programme.
“Fife Council remains fully committed to leading the way in tackling climate change and we are proud to be part of initiatives that not only restore our natural environment but also build resilience for the future.”
Jeremy Harris, CEO at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, said: “This project to restore the River Leven is a working example of different organisations coming together to deliver something that directly contributes to the outcomes laid out in the new Scottish National Adaptation Plan.
“The carefully considered interventions already under way will return the river to its more natural flowing state ensuring that nature connects through the Leven catchment and delivers direct benefits to the local communities.
“Improved infrastructure with the river at its centre will serve the surrounding communities and enrich the lives of those who make use of it. At Fife Coast and Countryside Trust our mission is to connect environment and people and this river restoration project, running through the heart of Levenmouth, is a wonderful example of how to do just that. I look forward to seeing the natural world and local communities flourish thanks to this work for years to come.”
A coalition of climate justice campaigners staged a musical demonstration and banner protest at the UK Government’s offices in Edinburgh yesterday to call on the Government and corporations to end fossil fuels and pay their fair share of the climate finance owed to countries most impacted by climate change.
The activists rewrote the lyrics to classic songs such as Abba’s ‘Money, Money, Money’ and the Proclaimers’ ‘500 miles’ to get their message across.
Abba chorus: “Money money money // Nothing’s funny // In an unequal world. Money, money, money // It’s way too sunny // In a colonial world.”
Proclaimers’ chorus: “But we would walk five hundred miles // And we would walk five hundred days // Just to be the ones who see 5 trillion smiles // Because WHO OWES MUST PAY.”
Campaigners from groups including Friends of the Earth Scotland, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Global Justice Now Scotland, Divest Lothian, Stop EACOP Edinburgh and Edinburgh Quakers highlighted the role that UK fossil fuel companies, and the UK in general, have played in fuelling the climate crisis.
The groups demand the UK Government end our reliance on fossil fuels in a way that is ‘fast, fair and forever’ and to stop climate-wrecking projects like the controversial Rosebank oil field off the coast of Shetland.
Joy Reyes from Friends of the Earth Philippines spoke at the rally saying: “The people of the global south are not asking for pity or mercy, we are demanding our right to a future lived with dignity.
“We are demanding that the Global North and the fossil fuel companies, who profit while our people suffer, pay up. For every life lost, for every farm ruined, for every home destroyed and for every future ripped away from us, pay up!
“It is time for the perpetrators of this crisis to pay for what they have done.”
Sally Clark, Divestment Campaigner with Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “With catastrophic wildfires in Portugal and terrible flooding in Nigeria this week alone, it has never been more urgent for our governments to stop funding oil and gas companies like BP, Shell and TotalEnergies that are fuelling climate breakdown and harm to communities around the world.
“As one of the first countries to profit from fossil fuels, the UK has a greater responsibility to pay our climate debt to countries which have done the least to cause the climate crisis but which are already suffering the most.
“By ending our funding of climate-wrecking fossil fuels and instead investing in genuine climate solutions like social housing and wind and solar power, the Government can protect communities, create new green jobs and ensure a liveable planet for everyone.”
Campaigners are calling on governments in the Global North to urgently implement a fast, fair and funded phase out of fossil fuels and to commit to paying a minimum of US$5 trillion per year in public finance to countries in the Global South for the damage that has already been caused by the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis.
In April, new research revealed that just 57 companies, including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies, are directly linked to 80% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 2016.
Among the campaigners’ demands is a call on the UK Government to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and to stop funding companies responsible for new fossil fuel projects such as the Rosebank oil field and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Uganda and Tanzania which is predicted to produce 379m tonnes of climate-heating pollution if it is completed.
Cathy Allen from Stop EACOP Edinburgh said: “For as long as any of us can remember, the UK government has promoted the myth that they kindly donate generous aid to poor countries.
“This narrative could not be further from the truth. The reality is that the UK government along with the rest of the Global North is defaulting on what it owes the Global South – collectively at least $5 trillion per year as compensation for the immense consequences of climate change.
“Payment for our part in this catastrophe would inevitably involve significant taxation of the fossil fuel industry and would thus also act as a deterrent to that sector’s unfettered rampage on the planet, resulting in a rare win-win situation.”
The rally was one of many actions taking place across the UK and around the world for the ‘Pay Up for Climate Finance’ Day of Action which marks the culmination of the Global Week of Action for Climate Finance and a Fossil-Free Future.
Tyrone Scott from War on Want said: “We’re taking action here in the UK and across the world because wealthy countries in the Global North, such as the UK, have long made big promises on tackling the climate crisis — but have so far failed to deliver the resources needed to honour them.
“Those who are facing the worst consequences of our reliance on fossil fuels have done the least to cause this crisis, yet face the worst effects. Against this backdrop, the UK refuses to pay up its fair share in climate finance and reparations to help countries adapt to and mitigate against a crisis they have not caused.”
Researchers across the UK to use latest tech and major data bank to better predict where devastating floods and droughts will strike
innovators will also pioneer new ways of tackling the worst of extreme weather to halt damage and cut eye-watering cost to the economy
sensors in UK rivers and real time monitoring will gather priceless data that goes towards modelling the potential impact and likely flashpoints
Predicting where future flooding and droughts will strike next in the UK will be made easier under a new project for scientists using the latest tech and real-time data, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced.
It will help key bodies, like local authorities and the Environment Agency, to stem the worst of extreme weather’s impact on communities, saving lives, homes, and businesses, and helping to cut the devastating cost of such events to the UK economy, estimated at £740 million a year.
The Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure, led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and backed by £40 million, will be the first UK-wide network focused on understanding the impact of extreme weather conditions across the country, pinpointing where incidents are likely to occur and planning to limit their impact.
The complexity of Earth’s climate makes forecasting floods and droughts a major challenge, with climate change only further complicating the picture.
Researchers will use the latest technologies including sensors and real time computer monitoring, plus a huge bank of data including river profiles and near real-time monitoring of information including on atmospherics, ground saturation, water movement, abstraction and storage – taken together, this will form a clearer impression of where and when extreme weather will strike.
Floods wreak havoc on communities by destroying homes, public infrastructure, and livelihoods like farming which in turn costs consumers. Similarly, droughts have a major impact on the water supply and UK eco-system, harming wildlife and their natural habitats which rely on regular rainfall.
Researchers will be based at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s offices throughout Great Britain, with further input from researchers in the British Geological Survey, University of Bristol and Imperial College London.
Findings from the project will be shared with key bodies like the Environment Agency to steer the UK response to extreme weather.
It will also act as a hub for researchers to pursue new innovations with discoveries shared across the world and marking the UK as a leader in the field.
Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “Flooding and droughts can devastate UK communities, from leaving people stranded, to destroying homes, gardens, roads and businesses, and even claiming lives.
“With climate change sadly making extreme weather events more common and adding an eye-watering cost to the economy, there is no time to waste in backing our researchers and innovators to ensure we are better prepared for floods and droughts striking.
“This project will help drive that progress, with dedicated teams using the most advanced tech to crunch data gathered from our rivers and paint a clear picture of its likely impact – using the power of science and tech to keep the public safe.”
The new measures build on £5.6 billion of government investment into flooding from 2021 and 2027, with over 100 and coastal risk management projects helping to better protect thousands of people and properties from flooding from the sea, rivers and reservoirs.
The Westminster government will also shortly launch a new Flood Resilience Taskforce to turbocharge the delivery of new flood defences, drainage systems and natural flood management schemes, which will ensure we’re prepared for the future and help grow our economy.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “In the case of extreme flooding and drought, preparation and prediction are everything.
“Our new institute will bring together a team of world-leading researchers and the latest technology to ensure our communities, businesses and farms are protected from these devastating events.”
The funding also builds on wider UKRI projects tackling extreme weather in the UK and abroad, including support for businesses to ensure against its risks.
It includes a project sponsored by the NERC linking the frequency and intensity of storms over Northern Europe using mathematical models that enable more accurate pricing of storm-related risks. Meanwhile the Lisflood-FP computer model developed by the University of Bristol has helped over one million Zambian farmers to insure themselves against drought risk through daily rainfall estimates for the continent of Africa.
Another team at Bristol has pioneered the development of high-resolution flood prediction models, which has resulted in Fathom: a spin-out company with an annual turnover of more than £4 million. Its work includes protecting infrastructure valued at over $1 trillion, thanks to improved flood risk management in the UK and across the world.
Executive Chair of NERC, Professor Louise Heathwaite, said: “Earth’s changing climate means the number of extreme floods and droughts will increase in the UK, impacting homes, businesses and services.
!But predicting their location and measuring their intensity and impact needs the sort of scientific advances that this programme will bring to overcome the data and analytical constraints that are currently very challenging.
“The project will transform the way we understand the impact of these events by building a significant bank of data and improving our monitoring capability, and so helping to protect those affected.
“This is an example of how NERC is responding to climate challenges with research and innovation investments that will accelerate the green economy and deliver solutions to national priorities.”
Growing Climate Confidence has been supported by the Scottish Funders’ Forum
A leading third sector climate project offering vital support to charities and voluntary organisations looking to tackle the climate crisis will be funded for another two years, it has been announced.
This initiative is delivered by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on behalf of the Third Sector Net Zero steering group, with advisory input from Scottish Funders and Net Zero experts.
The £200,000 awarded will cover strategic support, raising awareness of the campaign, and training provided by others in the sector. Funding has been provided by the Corra Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Robertson Trust, SSE and the William Grant Foundation.
This new funding – over two years from June 1, 2024 – will provide fully funded carbon reduction and climate resilience training, self-serve digital tools to help organisations develop a net zero action plan, and strategic support to influence the funding landscape for climate work.
Beth Mukushi, SCVO head of support services, said: “The Growing Climate Confidence project helps third sector organisations understand and own their responsibilities to take action on climate change.
“We know that the majority of organisations care deeply about the climate emergency, but only 42% of organisations have policies in place to reduce their own carbon emissions.
“Our net zero scorecard has given over 400 organisations a tailored action plan, and this funding will help us reach more organisations, offer wrap-around training and support, and link organisations into existing networks of climate action across the country.”
Kate Still, chair of The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support SCVO in expanding its Growing Climate Confidence Initiative, thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players.
“Through our funding we aim to help communities become more environmentally sustainable and to make the changes that help support a healthy planet.
“SCVO has great experience and expertise in supporting Third Sector organisations to take action on the climate emergency, and the expansion of this initiative will build the momentum and equip many more Third Sector organisations with tools to assist them on their net zero journey.”
An SSE spokesperson said: “The climate emergency is one of society’s most pressing challenges. We know from our community grant making that many third sector organisations want to do their part in tackling it but don’t know where to start.
“The Growing Climate Confidence website and support programme helps them get clarity on what to focus on, and how. SSE is therefore proud to support the roll out and further development of this important work with partners.”
Nick Addington, chief executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: “We believe that all charities and social enterprises have a role to play in helping achieve a fair transition to a sustainable and climate-adapted future – whatever their mission – so we’re really pleased to be able to partner with other Scottish funders to enable SCVO to enhance its support to Scotland’s third sector around climate action.”
Communities will receive a share of up to £5.5 million Scottish Government funding to help reduce their emissions and improve resilience in the face of climate change.
The funding, for 2024-25, will support Scotland’s network of 20 Community Climate Action Hubs, which encourage and support climate action. Based across Scotland, the Hubs have supported a range of projects bespoke to their area, including on local energy generation and flood mitigation.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan confirmed the funding during a visit to the North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN) Hub in Aberdeen.
One of the original two hubs that successfully piloted the concept in 2021, the NESCAN Hub has delivered climate assemblies to schools, climate literacy sessions to the local community, supported repair cafes to increase local reuse and recycling rates and provided advice and support around tackling fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency for buildings as well as renewable heat and energy generation.
Ms McAllan said: “I am very pleased to hear first-hand how NESCAN Hub’s work has been helping communities in Aberdeen to support climate action through projects tailored to meet the needs and interests of the area.
“Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and will require collaborative action at all levels. We must also share in the benefits that our net zero journey will bring.
“Communities are uniquely placed to play a critical role in shaping and driving forward the transition to low carbon and climate resilient living and we want to empower people to take action in their neighbourhoods that’s right for them.
“That is why we are proud to continue to support our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs, which provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective grass-roots action.”
“Climate action must be locally appropriate and locally driven.”
Communities will receive a share of up to £5.5m @scotgov funding to help reduce their emissions in ways that suit their local circumstances.
— Net Zero Scotland (@ScotGovNetZero) May 21, 2024
NESCAN Hub Manager, Alison Stuart said: “We are proud of the continuing achievements of groups supported by NESCAN Hub. In particular, the ongoing work to help fulfil the residents’ wishes to create a healthier, happier and more sustainable community.
“This will not only support our response to the climate crisis, but also improve wellbeing, help address fuel poverty and increase community capacity, assets and wealth-building.”
Background
The Scottish Government is providing up to £5.5 million of funding in 2024/2025 for its network of Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery. This is broken down as follows – with some funding still to be allocated
Work is ongoing to ensure national coverage of the hubs.
Organisation
Budget
Angus Climate Hub
£165,000.00
Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub
£145,000.00
Ayrshire Climate Hub
£340,000.00
Dumfries and Galloway Climate Hub
£200,000.00
Dundee “Changemakers Hub
£140,000.00
East Lothian Climate Hub
£115,000.00
Edinburgh Climate Action Hub
£350,000.00
Fife Climate Action Hub
£290,000.00
Forth Valley Climate Action Hub
£365,000.00
Glasgow Climate Action Hub
£450,000.00
Highlands & Islands Climate Hub
£437,839.60
Inverclyde Climate Action Hub
£93,500.00
Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub
£480,000.00
Midlothian Climate Action Hub
£125,000.00
Moray Climate Action Hub
£135,000.00
North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN)
SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change. The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen. The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.
Thanks to funding provided by SGN, around 330 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, have benefited from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.
The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation. Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and perfect their innovative machine designs.
Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Moray Primary School in Grangemouth, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.
It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.
Heather Chalmers, P6 class Teacher at Moray Primary School, said: “The Generation Science experience was absolutely delightful. As the students immersed themselves in the wonders of renewable energy, they discovered a world brimming with possibilities.
“The team took them on a wonderful journey through the ages, tracing the origins of fossil fuels and illuminating the necessity for sustainable alternatives. From the intricacies of solar panels to the power of wind turbines, each discussion highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in shaping our future. The workshop not only sparked curiosity but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
“Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was truly heart-warming. What made the experience even more remarkable was the generosity of the sponsor, whose support made this invaluable, educational opportunity accessible to all. Grateful for their contribution, we’re reminded of the immense impact such partnerships can have in nurturing young minds and fostering a brighter, greener tomorrow.”
Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science, said: “We’re delighted to have SGN on board as a supporter for this year’s Generation Science tour.
“Our mission for Generation Science is to provide high quality science activities to primary school pupils across Scotland, providing the same experience no matter where they live.
“SGN share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for homes. Thanks to their generous support we’re able to bring ‘The Green Machine’ to Granton and Grangemouth.”
MSP visits spirits bond to mark new solar array going live
Member of the Scottish Parliament and Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has visited the global spirits and wine manufacturer Brown-Forman’s Newbridge Bond in his Edinburgh Western constituency as a new solar array goes live this year.
In the first project between YLEM Energy and Brown-Forman, the producer of brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Benriach, a 620kW solar array was developed to deliver 502,117 KWp of clean energy each year at the Newbridge Bond, Edinburgh. This is a part of Brown-Forman’s objective to source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
On 29th January, Mr Cole Hamilton visited the site to meet some of the team members and to hear from YLEM Energy and Brown-Forman on the benefits of onsite energy generation for energy-intensive businesses, such as bottling and storage facilities.
Mr Cole Hamilton said: “I am delighted to see businesses taking initiative in advancing sustainability agendas and working towards tackling climate change directly by reducing their emissions.
“The boost for skilled employment and increased investment in the area has my full support and I look forward to hearing the progress that this partnership will bring.”
The 630kWp solar system is also part of YLEM Energy’s Xchange product that was launched in April 2023 and will allow Brown-Forman to export excess renewable energy generated at the Newbridge Bond to the National Grid and reduce its onsite energy costs. Brown-Forman are also exploring the potential to work with YLEM Energy to identify energy efficiency measures onsite to make its operations as sustainable as possible.
Kieran McGuire, European Environment Health and Safety Manager at Brown-Forman said: “It is encouraging to have Mr Cole Hamilton visit our site in Newbridge as the solar array enters use to generate renewable electricity.
“At Brown-Forman, we are committed to our goal of sourcing 100 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and this solar installation is a great step towards meeting that goal.”
Sophie Lamb, Head of Solar at YLEM Energy said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to relay first hand to Mr Cole Hamilton the benefits of onsite renewable energy generation, with the Newbridge Bond being a great example.
“I’m looking forward to being able to report back on the carbon reductions that our installation at Newbridge Bond will achieve.”
UK Government announces new aid to save the lives of mothers and babies in Ethiopia as UK warns of growing risk of humanitarian catastrophe.
The funding comes as the UK’s Development and Africa Minister, Andrew Mitchell, returns from a 2-day visit to the country, witnessing the humanitarian crisis first hand
UK calls on the international community to step up efforts to prevent a major crisis
More than three million Ethiopians, including mothers and babies, will receive lifesaving help from the UK through a new humanitarian aid programme and further support for the Tigray region.The uplift has been announced by UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell following a two-day visit to Ethiopia.
While in Ethiopia, Mr Mitchell set out a series of actions the UK is taking to help stem the worsening tide. He announced a new UK fund worth £100 million for Ending Preventable Deaths that is targeted on children, particularly children under the age of five, and also on pregnant and post-natal women.
The programme will help more than 3 million Ethiopians – mostly women and children – access essential health services. The funding will increase, among other things, access to family planning support, medicines, and childhood vaccinations.
In addition, emergency funding will help 75 health centres tackle malnutrition and other preventable causes of death such as malaria and cholera.
Across northern Ethiopia, millions of people are facing hunger. War and climate change have crippled crop production and driven people off their lands. The conflict in Tigray has left more than 1 million people displaced.
The combination of conflict and failed harvests in northern Ethiopia have plunged over 3 million into a state of critical food security and hunger. Millions more people are in need, with women and young children in particular, severely affected.
The Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said: “The crisis is a wake-up call to the world. Food shortages are at a critical level. War has displaced people and decimated vital infrastructure. Climate change and El Nino have fuelled local exoduses with 400,000 displaced in the Somali region of Ethiopia as of last December.
“Millions are trapped in displacement, hunger and need. As ever the most vulnerable people, particularly women and children, are the first to be hit.
“The international community needs to come to Ethiopia’s side and work with our friends in the government and international partners to halt and reverse this crisis. In a region that has experienced the horrors of famine in the past, we must ramp up international efforts to avert a major crisis in the near future. We need to act fast and act now.”
The Government and international donors are responding to the needs of 6.6 million people. But as the Minister has warned, the number of critically food insecure people is growing rapidly and will reach 10.8 million in the coming months.
Mr Mitchell stressed that while the UK is taking positive action which will save lives on the ground, its efforts alone will not be sufficient to contain the crisis, and that urgent cooperation with international partners and agencies and government will be necessary to prevent the worst.
Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia, he also discussed the UK’s humanitarian commitment to Ethiopia, to women and girls, ending internal conflict, and issues affecting regional stability, including the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the Somaliland authorities on access to the Red Sea.
