Tag: climate change

Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ back with renewed climate focus

The premier awards for forests and woods in Scotland are back for 2022 after a highly successful 2021 saw winners ranging from a tiny nursery school to the country’s largest landowner.

Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ are back for 2022 after a highly successful programme in 2021 saw worthy winners ranging from the country’s largest landowner Anders Holch Povlsen to a tiny nursery school.

Mr Povlsen and Wildland Ltd won the prize for New Native Woods in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2021, for Killiehuntly in the Cairngorms – while Perth Outdoor Playgroup won the award for an early years education provider instilling a love of woods in young children.

The 2022 Awards will see a renewed focus on climate change after forestry and wood played a central part in discussions at COP26. The first Climate Change Champion prize was handed out at the 2021 Awards, with Ayrshire estate owner Andrew Sinclair honoured for his work at Balbeg.

“The award was handed out just two months before COP26, where we saw the signing of a Leaders’ Declaration on Forestry and Land Use, and the launch of the Time for Timber global wood use manifesto,” said Angela Douglas, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods.

“The world is increasingly understanding that trees and wood are vital to tackling climate change and I’m so delighted that our Climate Change Champion Award is back.”

With 80% of the UK’s new woodland currently being planted in Scotland, and continued Scottish Government support for ambitious tree planting targets, organisers hope for another exceptional set of winners in 2022. 

“Anyone with a genuinely high-quality project has a chance to win an award, whether that’s Scotland’s largest landowner or a small nursery school, or a farmer discovering the benefits of trees to an experienced forester creating a model woodland,” said Angela Douglas.

The Scottish Government showed its support for the awards last year, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing the Schools and Early Years Awards and Environment Minister Máiri McAllan – whose brief covers forestry – revealing the Community Woodlands winners.

Ms McAllan said: “I was delighted to be involved in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards for the first time in 2021, and to celebrate an amazing collection of winners.

“The addition of the Climate Change Champion and Early Years Awards in 2021 illustrated the importance of woodland in supporting Scotland’s world-leading climate change ambitions – and engaging young people in trees and woods at a young age.

“All the winners were clearly passionate about high-quality woodlands, and I look forward to another year of exceptional entries to celebrate this new golden era of forestry in Scotland.”

The Climate Change Champion Award, sponsored by Carbon Store, is chosen by judges. Category entrants, including schools or nurseries, can choose to enter this award alone or enter more than one award category.

The Climate Change Champion Award has been developed in partnership with Forest Research, who will again provide expert judges in 2022.

Professor Chris Quine, Chief Scientist at Forest Research, led the team assessing the entries, and said the 2021 winner – Balbeg Estate’s Bennan Hill – “demonstrated an integrated approach to tackling climate change throughout its activities with actions relating to mitigation, adaptation and knowledge exchange” and “a strong commitment and a real consistency of vision”.

All the other popular categories return in the long-running Awards, which were held online in 2021 after a 2020 Covid-cancellation.

“We hope to return to a live event at our traditional venue, the Royal Highland Show, as it celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2022,” said Guy Watt, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, the charity which operates the programme. “However, we need to keep our options open and that means planning for a possible hybrid, or entirely online, event, if circumstances dictate.”

Regular Award categories return, including the ever-popular Crown Estate Scotland Schools Award, won by Pitlochry High School in 2021. The Quality Timber Awards return too, with three different categories: new commercial wood, multi-purpose forest or whole estate, and a single stand/compartment or small wood.

The two Farm Woodland Awards are back – the Scottish Woodlands Ltd Trophy for Young People won in 2021 by Nikki and James Yoxall of Howemill near Huntly, Aberdeenshire, and the SAC Consulting-sponsored award for any farm woodland, won in 2021 by Wendy Seel and Anne Taylor, who run an organic vegetable business at Midmar, Aberdeenshire

Entries must be submitted by 31st March 2022.

For full details, criteria and entry forms. see: www.sfwa.co.uk

Pilton’s Wee Forests to help fight climate change

Three Wee Forests, including two in North Edinburgh, are to provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

The City of Edinburgh Council, Earthwatch Europe, NatureScot and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust kickstarted planting “Wee Forests” in the autumn, creating densely packed native forests – covering the size of a tennis court – built into urban spaces.

Edinburgh’s first three “Wee Forests” were planted over the last couple of months. These forests have been made possible through support from the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation – the charity arm of OVO Energy – and the Scottish Government.

The three Wee (or Tiny) Forests – which were planted at East Pilton Park, West Pilton Park and Mount Vernon supported by local residents and primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of “Miyawaki Forests” or “Tiny Forests”. Following the method – with its emphasis on community engagement, co-design and careful soil preparation – means that Wee Forests meet a consistent global standard so their benefits can be measured and shared.

A Wee Forest is made up of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson, said: “These new Wee Forests will allow residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community.

“The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and contribute towards the Queen’s Green Canopy in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Our green spaces are a hugely important part of our city and I’m delighted that we now have our first Wee Forests and are creating new spaces for people and wildlife.

“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.

“I’m delighted that more Wee Forests are planned and encourage our communities to get involved.”

Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager said: “Wee (Tiny) Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young people with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action from a young age.

“We are delighted to be working with Edinburgh City Council, the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation and NatureScot to bring these inspiring spaces to Edinburgh and other communities across the UK.”

Gemma Gooch, Co-Head Global Social Impact at BlackRock said: “As more and more people live in urban areas, Wee (Tiny) Forests have the potential to help capture carbon emissions, increase biodiversity and contribute to a more climate resilient society.

“We are very proud to support Earthwatch Europe with this initiative, reminding us that there are ways we can help fight climate change in our own local communities.

Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about educating the younger generation on how to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the physical environment, and limit their impact on the planet.

“Tiny Forests help children learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way. By planting Tiny Forests in urban communities across the UK with Earthwatch, we will help connect children with their local green spaces and show them how they can protect it for future generations.

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for people’s health and well-being to have opportunities to connect with nature close to where they live.

“These Wee Forests are not only a great way to make space for nature in our towns and cities, but they’ll also help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, which is particularly important as we look ahead to COP26 and the huge challenges and opportunities facing us.

Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust said: “We are delighted to be a local delivery partner for the Wee Forest project. The creation of the Wee Forest is very important for people and wildlife, particularly with it being in an urban environment.

“It will provide the local community and schools with the opportunity to help tackle nature loss and the current climate emergency as well as contributing to Scotland’s tree planting targets.

“It will enable people to engage with nature on their doorstep and inspire young people to take an active interest in their local environment.”

Holyrood committee conveners to grill First Minister

The Scottish Government’s record on climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic will be under the spotlight when the Scottish Parliament’s Committee Conveners meet later this month to quiz the First Minister. 

For the first time in Session 6, the Conveners Group will hold a public evidence session with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP.  The session will take place on 15 December. 

The session, which will last almost two hours, will also see the First Minister take questions on the Scottish Government’s budget.

Speaking ahead of the session, Deputy Presiding Officer and Chair of the Conveners Group Liam McArthur MSP said: “The Scottish Parliament’s Committees play a crucial role in our democracy by scrutinising the Scottish Government and making sure those in charge of running the country are being held to account.

“This session will allow Conveners collectively to raise cross cutting matters of real concern such as climate change and the COVID 19 pandemic with Nicola Sturgeon.  As such it is a welcome addition to the various ways in which the Parliament carries out its role.

“I expect there will be robust questioning and some spirited debate.  As the new chair of Convener’s Group I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

The meeting can be viewed LIVE on SPTV.

“This is one of the biggest investments in recycling in Scotland in a generation”

£13 million to improve recycling and cut emissions

More than £13 million has been awarded to local authorities to increase the quantity and quality of recycling in Scotland.

Nine more local authorities have successfully bid for support from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, bringing the total investment to date to £20 million.

The city of Edinburgh will receive £7.7 million for upgrades and expansion to recycling collection services which will see services improved for approximately 130,000 households.

The fund, which will total £70 million over five years, will deliver a step change in Scotland’s recycling performance and help local authorities get ready for future developments, including Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme.

The investment to date could reduce CO2 emissions by as much 21,400 tonnes each year — the equivalent of taking 11,400 cars off the road.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “This is one of the biggest investments in recycling in Scotland in a generation.

“By providing the support that’s needed to modernise local recycling infrastructure, we can help local authorities significantly improve their recycling performance.

“That won’t just make it easier for households to recycle more – it will also make an important contribution to meeting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.

“I look forward to seeing these projects deliver for local communities and the environment, and to further innovative ideas from local authorities on how they can utilise this fund to improve recycling in their area.

“We also want to see materials remain in use for as long as possible before they are recycled. To help make that happen, we will also be introducing an ambitious Circular Economy Bill during this parliament.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said: “These awards represent a major new development in Scotland’s recycling story, with nine more impactful projects from across Scotland which make the most of our resources, boosting recycling and the circular economy.

“We’ve been impressed by the thinking from councils and look forward to even more transformational projects being brought forward next year.”

Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA spokesperson for Environment and Economy said: “Local Government in Scotland is fully committed to combatting climate change and supporting the Just Transition to a net zero society.

“A circular economy is an important part of this.  The Recycling Improvement Fund projects announced today demonstrate the range of work and level of innovation undertaken by Councils here. 

“We are keen to see the full fund supporting a wide range of projects in the next few years that make it easier for our citizens to recycle and reduce waste.” 

The city council has welcomed the announcement.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Environment Convener, said: “We really welcome this funding and endorsement from Zero Waste Scotland for our new modern communal waste and recycling service.

“It’s a significant contribution to our overall delivery budget which will help us provide this improved service to around 130,000 residents who live in shared properties and therefore don’t have our kerbside service. 

“The new convenient hubs make recycling easier and more accessible for residents as we’ve grouped all of the different types of waste bins together.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Environment Vice-Convener, said: “This significant funding shows great support for our new communal bin hubs which provide increased capacity, a more reliable and frequent service as well as reducing overflowing bins and street clutter.

“The funding will also be used for new bin sensors and five new electric vehicles for our fleet helping towards Edinburgh’s net zero ambitions and making improvements to our air quality.”

Thousands in Edinburgh unaware their pension is costing the earth

  • Almost nine in ten (87%) of adults in Edinburgh class themselves as ‘climate conscious’
  • However, over three fifths (66%) of pension holders are unaware their pension could help fight climate change
  • Almost half (46%) of pension holders in Edinburgh want their pension to be invested responsibly.

New research from the UK’s largest mutual pension and investment company, Royal London, reveals that over three fifths (66%) of pension holders in Edinburgh are unaware that their pension could be invested in ways to help fight climate change.

Only one fifth (18%) of pension holders from the city currently invest their pension responsibly, but 46% say they would like their pension to be invested more responsibly.

What does investing responsibly mean?

Terminology can be confusing. A third (34%) of adults in Edinburgh are familiar with the term ‘responsible investment,’ but only a quarter (25%) per cent actually know what it means and understand its collective power to protect the planet. Men are more likely to be familiar with the term responsible investment than women (69% vs 50%) across the UK.

The power of pensions

A third (33%) of pension holders in Edinburgh said they would consider investing a portion of their pension responsibly. Over a fifth (22%) were willing for over half their pension to be invested responsibly. With one in ten (13%) wanting between 90% and 100% of their pension invested responsibly.

Pension holders across the UK were also asked what criteria they would like a responsibly invested pension to consider, with climate change and protecting the environment (43%) being highly rated in Edinburgh. Social factors such as health and safety (40%) and use of plastic (30%) following closely behind.

Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, said: “It’s encouraging to see that so many people consider themselves to be climate conscious and our research shows that the nation is taking steps forward to improve the health of the planet.

“But we all need to look at our finances and their collective power to do well and do good. From helping reduce emissions to promoting diversity, pensions can be invested to support individuals in retirement whilst helping us all move towards a more sustainable world.” 

With over half (57%) of UK 18-24-year-olds wanting their pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet, compared to just over a quarter (29%) of 65-year-olds and over, it’s clear there is still more that can be done to build a better understanding of inter-generational financial resilience for the future.

Finding out how to invest more responsibly

The research also found:

  • Over half (54%) of pension holders in Edinburgh do not know how their pension funds are invested.
  • Those who want to find out more about responsible investment would mostly value the advice of financial advisers (28%), free guidance services, such as MoneyHelper (16%), or their family and friends (6%).
  • Over a quarter (26%) would carry out their own research to find out about responsible investment.

Royal London’s Invested Generation campaign recently launched a Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/theinvestedgeneration/ which provides a range of support and resources for UK pension holders as to how they can best invest responsibly.

In addition, more information is also available on the Royal London website: 

https://www.royallondon.com/.

Historic Environment Scotland launches first dedicated climate change adaptation plan

Historic Environment Scotland has launched its new climate adaptation plan. ‘Climate ready HES’ sets out a series of actions that HES will undertake in order to prepare for, and review the risks and impacts associated with climate change, as Scotland experiences more extremities in weather and continues to move towards net zero.

The plan is a flagship deliverable of HES’s ambitious Climate Action Plan (2020-2025) and operates alongside other key climate action commitments, such as HES’ ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Accelerating climate change is already posing a threat to Scotland’s historic environment and cultural heritage sites. Changes to the climate are increasing the frequency and intensity of physical climate risks, illustrated by the flash-flooding across Edinburgh in July 2021, which was the result of unprecedented heavy rainfall and directly impacted Edinburgh Castle.

In developing the plan, HES established a cross-organisational group to carry out a strategic level climate risk assessment which identified key climate risks where the organisation believes further action is required. The approach taken to carry out this assessment was informed by tools and guidance developed by Adaptation Scotland and its partners.

This new adaptation plan details HES’s primary adaptation response to the climate risks of concern identified. This is a series of priority actions including committing appropriate resources to climate change adaptation, mainstreaming ‘adaptation’ action into HES plans and policies, and integrating climate risk assessments into all relevant decisions the organisation takes.

These priority actions are crucial to reduce the impact of physical climate risks where possible, like extreme weather events and spread of invasive species, and to address additional risks that the organisation will be exposed to as society responds to the climate crisis and transitions towards a low-carbon economy.

Download Climate Ready HES

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “The need to be ‘climate ready’ and to proactively prepare for the risks and impacts associated with climate change has never been clearer – 2020 and 2021 have been marked by many notable extreme weather events occurring around the globe, with the influence of climate change clear to see.

“We hope that this plan will not only help to improve our organisation’s own resilience to the risks and impacts of climate change, and in turn that of Scotland’s historic environment, but also that it will bring benefits to the wider sector.”

Anna Beswick, Adaptation Scotland Programme Manager at Sniffer welcomed the new plan, saying: “Climate Ready HES’ tells a compelling story. It offers deep insights on the climate risks that are affecting the organisation and provides a very strong response to the climate crisis.

“The process of developing the strategy is as important as the document itself and I am delighted to see the high-level of engagement from across the organisation. This collective commitment is why Climate Ready HES is amongst the most progressive climate adaptation responses in Scotland. It will also be crucial in implementing the strategy.

“We congratulate our HES colleagues on reaching this important milestone and look forward to working together in the years ahead to enable Scotland to adapt to climate change.”

About the Climate Ready HES Plan

The plan outlines 28 key climate risks of concern to HES and that require further action that were identified in the strategic level climate risk assessment.

Many of these climate risks have also been identified in the Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk, published by the Climate Change Committee in June 2021.

The climate risks identified group into five risk categories:

  • Physical climate risks on our organisation’s physical assets
  • Physical climate risks on the natural capital of our Properties in Care
  • Physical climate risks disrupting our day-to-day operations
  • Varied climate risks impacting the safety and wellbeing of our people
  • Key transition risks that would likely impact delivery of our core functions

These risks will be addressed by implementing our ‘adaptation response’ that includes 10 priority actions, which are detailed in the plan.

A detailed methodology document will be released in the coming weeks that outlines the steps we took in preparing this plan.

New Foresight Project launched to support UK’s 2050 net zero target

The UK Government Office for Science has launched a new Foresight Project to help inform the government’s long-term net zero strategy.

The report titled A net zero society – scenarios and pathways follows the COP26 summit in Glasgow where global leaders convened to outline coordinated action to tackle climate change.

The UK government has committed to achieve net zero by 2050 which is essential to keeping global temperature rises limited to 1.5C.

Societal norms, practices and behaviours will play a significant role in emissions reduction, but these are uncertain and likely to change in the future. This project will provide the evidence and tools to help understand how behaviours could impact net zero.

Patrick Vallance, the government Chief Scientific Adviser, said: “If we are to keep warming below 1.5C, changes within society will matter as much as big technological changes. Through this research, we can understand the impact of potential societal changes on our path to achieving net zero.“

This project, due to run until late 2022, will produce an expert evidence review and a set of future scenarios and their implications for the energy system and for different groups within society.

Glenfiddich releases an exclusive 26 Year Old whisky to mark COP26

  • The limited-edition single cask whisky was laid down 26 years ago in 1995, when the first COP climate summit took place in Berlin
  • 100 bottles will be available from 22nd November for a charity auction with Royal Mile Whiskies, raising funds to tackle climate change
  • This follows Glenfiddich’s sustainable transport initiative, launched earlier this year

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt whisky, has created a limited-edition 26 Year Old whisky – in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland – to commemorate the climate change summit, COP26, in Glasgow.. 

The partnership enables Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and Glenfiddich to raise awareness of the active steps Scotland is taking to tackle climate change.

These include the brand’s recently launched, pioneering ‘closed loop’ sustainable transport initiative, ‘Fuelled By Glenfiddich’. This involves converting production wastes and residues into Ultra-Clean Low Carbon fuel that is starting to be introduced to some of its transport fleet.

World leaders and COP26 conference attendees will have already had a chance to taste the one-off Glenfiddich 26 Year Old whisky at a series of COP26 events during the summit with Mark Thomson, the Glenfiddich Ambassador to Scotland, leading guests through exclusive tastings.

Whisky enthusiasts and sustainability supporters alike will have the chance to bid on a true collector’s item, one of 100 bottles, via a charity auction through Royal Mile Whiskies.

The auction is raising money for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and will be live from Monday 22nd November, concluding on Monday 29th November 2021.

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich’s global brand director, commented: “Glenfiddich is a brand that encourages us to individually and collectively push boundaries and always consider the next step.

“It has taken more than a decade for Glenfiddich to become the first global spirits brand to process its production wastes and residues into biogas fuel to power some of its trucks. We’re honoured to support the wider sustainability agenda.

“By releasing the 26 Year Old in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, we hope to bring attention and inspiration to continued climate change progress through our one-off auction of the limited-edition commemoration bottle.”

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is a diverse coalition of over 60 civil society organisations in Scotland campaigning together on climate change. 

Alistair Dutton, Board member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland added: “We’re pleased to be working with Glenfiddich and hope this incredible whisky will raise funds to tackle the climate emergency.

“The proceeds from the Royal Mile Whiskies auction will help Stop Climate Chaos Scotland members in their work to create a greener future for Scotland.”

Scotland has set an ambitious target to cut emissions by 75% by 2030, and to become Net Zero by 2045. With whisky forming such a large part of Scotland’s identity, the Scotch Whisky Association has outlined its ambitious and impressive vision for the future with a focus on four main areas for industry action:

·     Tackling climate change by having net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040;

·     Moving to a circular economy by making all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025;

·     Hitting responsible water use targets by 2025; and

·     Caring for the land through the active conservation and restoration of Scotland’s peatland by 2035.

The Glenfiddich 26 Year Old whisky will be available to bid on from Monday 22nd to Monday 29th November via Royal Mile Whiskies at: 

https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/glenfiddich-auction/

UK funding to support developing cities and regions transition to net zero by 2050

Backed with £27.5 million of UK government funding, the Urban Climate Action programme will support cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to tackle climate change.

  • A new multi-million UK Urban Climate Action Programme launched today to help developing cities reduce their emissions and grow sustainably
  • UK as COP26 Presidency calls on cities and regions across the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050
  • decarbonising the world’s urban buildings, which are responsible for around 40% of global emissions, crucial in combating climate change

The UK government has launched the new Urban Climate Action programme (UCAP) to support the cities and regions in developing countries most impacted by climate change to accelerate their transition to net zero.

Backed with £27.5 million of new UK government funding as part of the UK’s International Climate Finance commitment, the programme will support cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to take action to tackle climate change and create a sustainable future, by helping them to become carbon neutral by 2050 and prepare low-carbon infrastructure projects.

The programme will help cities like Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, and Bogotá develop low-emission public transport systems, renewable energy generation, sustainable waste management, new climate-smart buildings codes and climate risk planning.

To date over 1,000 cities and regions across the world – over a fifth of the global urban population – have committed to slashing their emissions to net zero by 2050.

On Thurday, as part of the UN COP26 climate summit’s Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day in Glasgow, the UK called on cities yet to make commitments to step up and set a net zero target that will help protect the places where people live and work, future proofing the world for future generations.

Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “From our homes and workplaces to our towns and cities, the buildings we live in are a fundamental part of our daily lives, but also a significant source of global emissions.

“That’s why at COP26 today we are calling on cities, regions, governments and businesses to seize the moment and set bold net-zero targets as we work together as a global community to end our contribution to climate change.”

The world’s urban buildings, including homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals, are responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions. By 2050, 1.6 billion people living in cities will be regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures and over 800 million people living in cities across the world will be vulnerable to sea level rises and coastal flooding. Accelerating the transition to net zero emissions for the world’s cities will therefore be vital to achieving the goal of keeping global warming to close to 1.5 degrees.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Hands said: “By 2050 urban areas will be home to two thirds of the world population, with the speed and scale of urbanisation set to lock in high-carbon infrastructure and inequality if we do not act now.

“The UK’s new programme will provide invaluable support to cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to help them grow sustainably, and make them resilient to climate risks, securing a greener future for generations to come.”

Joy Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, one of the cities that will be supported through UCAP said: “Quezon City’s Enhanced Local Climate Action Plan was successfully developed with the support of the UK government.

“With the assistance of the C40 Cities Finance Facility, the city is also pioneering the deployment of solar PV on public schools and on critical public healthcare facilities, contributing to a green and just recovery.

“We are immensely looking forward to continuing our fruitful partnership with C40 to implement Quezon City’s Climate Action Plan as a matter of urgency, continuing the journey together with the support of the UK government.”

C40 Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said: “This is the single most important decade for climate action, and every commitment we make to boost our ambition needs to be backed with the resources to make it possible.

“This new funding agreement from the UK government will put policy into practice for our boldest climate goals – from cleaning the air and creating new economic opportunities for our residents to improving access to sustainable solutions for cities most impacted by the climate crisis.”

UCAP will follow on from the flagship Climate Leadership in Cities programme, which was funded by the UK and successfully supported megacities in Latin America and Asia to develop ambitious climate action plans consistent with the Paris Agreement – including developing pathways to net zero by 2050 and committing to ambitious interim targets by 2030 to keep 1.5 degrees within reach.

As the first major economy to legislate to end its contribution to climate change by 2050, the UK is already taking action to tackle emissions from the built environment sector.

As heating for homes and workspaces makes up almost a third of all UK carbon emissions, reducing these emissions is key to achieving the goal of net zero by 2050.

Through the recent heat and buildings and net zero strategies, the UK government has set out how the UK will deploy the low-carbon technology needed to decarbonise homes, workplaces and public spaces.

To address emissions from the wider built environment, the UK government is investing £3.9 billion through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Heat Network Transformation Programme.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Minister Eddie Hughes said: “Net zero provides a real opportunity as we level up across the UK – delivering new green jobs and skills and boosting local economic growth.

“Many local areas are already taking action and we continue to work very closely with them to meet our climate change commitments.

“We are also taking action to cut the CO2 emissions of all new build homes by at least 75% from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard, and by 31% through an improvement in building standards later this year.”

The transition to net zero will drive levelling up across the country while supporting communities towards a greener future – providing opportunities for economic growth and delivering new green jobs for local people.

Many local areas are already taking strong action on climate change, including:

  • the Gateshead District Energy Scheme, a renewable heat network for up to 1,250 new homes, backed by £5.9 million government funding
  • Suffolk County Council has set out plans to build new walking and cycling infrastructure, work with industry in Suffolk to utilise innovative waste heat technology, and deliver a public education campaign on the climate emergency to change behaviour

The government is supporting councils to reduce local carbon emissions and take advantage of the opportunities created, including through the Local Net Zero Programme. Almost £22 million has been invested in the programme to date for local places to build capacity and capability to deliver on net zero. A Local Net Zero Forum will also be established to bring together national and local government policymakers on a regular basis.

Supporting women in climate action and conflict resolution

Funding for new fellowship programme

A new climate change focused fellowship promoting equal participation by women in peace resolution is being supported as part of a £300,000 funding commitment from the Scottish Government.

The Beyond Borders UNSCR1325 Climate Change Fellowship will provide peacekeeping, negotiation and reconstruction training to women in areas of conflict.

It will enable climate activists, people from indigenous and island communities, and areas where there is no state control, to share their experience of issues of gender, climate change and conflict.

This new programme is one of the three fellowships delivered by Beyond Borders to support women with conflict resolution supported by Scottish Government funding in 2021-22.

The fellowship on conflict resolution has involved over 250 women from more than 20 countries across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia since it began in 2016.

Speaking at the New York Times Climate Hub at COP26, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We know that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change.

“Our transition to net zero can only truly be just if it also tackles inequalities that women and girls face around the world, but that are particularly apparent in the global south and places of conflict – such as increased food insecurity, displacement and sexualised violence.

“We have an opportunity to support women to play a full role in work to mitigate climate impacts, disaster risks and loss and damage that are inextricably linked to both conflict and the climate emergency, and this funding will further the work already started by the Beyond Borders fellowship.”

Beyond Borders Founder Mark Muller Stuart, QC, said: “Beyond Borders welcomes the continued support of the Scottish Government for the development of the Women in Conflict 1325 Peacemaking Fellowship Programme.

“Since 2016, the Fellowship has created a unique community of practice of women working in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and will now build upon this community in exploring the critical nexus of climate change, gender, conflict and security.

“Following the lead of the United Nations Secretary General, the Fellowship is committed to providing a platform for the discussion of these crucial themes and to developing a framework concerning climate change and conflict, and the instrumental role that women play in working to ameliorate both phenomena.”