Tag: climate emergency

Coalition of Chaos? SNP and Greens sign Holyrood deal

Shared programme agreed to ‘build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland’

The Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group have agreed to work together over the next five years to build a green economic recovery from COVID, respond to the climate emergency and create a fairer country.

A shared draft policy programme – the Bute House Agreement – has been agreed. It focuses on areas of mutual interest to improve the way Scotland is governed and create a stable platform to meet the challenges Scotland faces.

It details collaboration on the climate emergency, economic recovery, child poverty, the natural environment, energy and the constitution. It includes commitments to:

  • hold a referendum on Scottish independence after the COVID pandemic has passed, within the current parliamentary session
  • increase investment in active travel and public transport, including a Fair Fares review to provide a realistic and affordable alternative to car use
  • a strengthened framework of support for the marine renewables and offshore wind sectors
  • take forward a ten-year £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray
  • significantly increase the level of the Scottish Child Payment, in order to maximise the impact on child poverty, with the full £20 payment being achieved within the lifetime of the Parliament
  • designate at least one new National Park by the end of this parliamentary session
  • enhance marine environmental protection
  • implement an effective national system of rent controls, enhance tenants’ rights and deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032
  • invest at least £1.8 billion over this parliamentary session in energy efficiency and renewable heating
  • establish two new Scottish Government overseas offices in Warsaw and Copenhagen to promote Scotland’s interests in central Europe and the Nordic countries

Alongside the draft policy programme, the draft co-operation agreement sets out the way in which the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party will work together. This will include the nomination of two Green MSPs to be Scottish Government Ministers.

The cooperation agreement also lists a number of areas that are outwith the scope of the agreement, where both sides have agreed to differ.

The draft agreements will now be considered by the respective political parties involved and Ministers will provide an update to Parliament following recess.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has reached a ground-breaking agreement with the Scottish Green Party that meets the challenges and opportunities of our time.

“The challenges we face have rarely been greater – the climate emergency, recovery from a global pandemic and an assault by the UK government on the powers of our Parliament.

“Today’s politics can too often feel small – polarised, divided and incapable of meeting the moment – and this agreement is intended to change that in Scotland. It is about doing politics and governance better to find the solutions needed to solve the problems confronting the world today.

“The spirit of co-operation and consensus-building is very much in keeping with the founding principles of our Scottish Parliament. We do not agree on everything but we are coming out of our comfort zones to focus on what we do agree on.

“The agreement delivers bold policy action on pressing issues. A commitment to more affordable housing, a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality. Steps to accelerate our transition to net zero – more support for active travel, transformation of home energy and a ten year transition fund for the North East of Scotland. A focus on green jobs and fair work – and a sustainable recovery from COVID.

“We also reaffirm in this Agreement our shared commitment to securing independence for Scotland, and to giving people the right to choose our country’s future through a referendum.

“It recognises that business as usual is not good enough – we need boldness, courage and a will to do things differently. That is what we offer.”

Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This is a historic moment, which could not come at a more important time.

“We must build a fairer and compassionate country and we must do everything in our power to tackle the escalating climate and nature emergencies to deliver a just transition for all. That is what this deal will do.

“Fundamentally this is a new approach to politics. We agree on some things and disagree on others – those distinctive voices can and will remain.”

Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater said: “The stakes could not be higher – with the COP26 climate conference coming to Glasgow, Scotland is in a position show real leadership on climate. But this deal is about people as well as the planet.

“Together, we would deliver a new deal for tenants, giving tenants more rights and introducing rent controls to help tackle Scotland’s housing crisis, create a new National Park, and much more.

“That’s why we are pledging to work together to build a greener, fairer and independent Scotland.”

The announcement has not been met with universal joy, oddly enough …

Largest opposition party the Scottish Conservatives say the deal is a ‘declaration of war on working Scots.’

“The SNP and Green coalition is anti-jobs and anti-business. They will push for indyref2 while starting a war on working Scotland. The @ScotTories will stand up for workers against this nationalist coalition of chaos.”

The STUC was quick to respond:

Responding to the power-sharing partnership announcement, GMB General Secretary Gary Smith said: “In the election the Greens said they wanted carers to be paid a £15 minimum, and with the consultation under way on the National Care Service, tens of thousands of staff undervalued on £9.50 an hour will expect Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie to deliver on their promises.

“They also campaigned on a platform to deliver a 12.5 per cent pay rise for nurses, the 4 per cent increase implemented didn’t come close to closing the massive pay restoration” gap after years of cuts, and in 2022 our NHS staff will expect better.

“And workers across our energy sector will be looking on with real concern, they will be seeking assurances that this deal will not be a one-way ticket to the dole queue – it’s as simple as that.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “This shouldn’t come as a surprise. It confirms a long-held suspicion that the Scottish Greens are just a branch office of the SNP.”

DOCUMENTS:

Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party: draft shared policy programme – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group: draft Cooperation Agreement – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Accelerating green growth

A new investment programme to help deliver Scotland’s just transition to a net-zero emissions economy has been launched.

The Green Growth Accelerator will speed up delivery of low carbon infrastructure projects across Scotland and provide extra resources and technical support to local authorities to get projects off the ground more quickly.

Once fully opened the programme will unlock £200m of public sector investment to drive our transition to net zero – with further investment from private sector also anticipated.

Developed in collaboration with COSLA, it builds on the principles of the Growth Accelerator model which has already supported major economic investment opportunities including Edinburgh’s St James Quarter (below) and the Waterfront in Dundee (top).

Applications are now open for six projects to help test the Green Growth Accelerator model.

They will be developed with funding of £1m from the Scottish Government, who will work with COSLA and local authorities to learn from the first six projects ahead of a further roll out of the programme in 2022/23.  

The Green Growth Accelerator was announced by Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson ahead of a Scottish Government parliamentary debate on addressing the global climate emergency, during which Ministers will outline the government’s delivery plans over the course of the new parliament and urge collective action to deliver Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.

Mr Matheson said: “Scotland was one of the first countries in the world to acknowledge and respond to the global climate emergency and our dedication to ending our contribution to climate change by 2045 is absolute.

“Urgent, collective and collaborative action is required in order to ensure a just transition to net-zero. If we all play our part, Scotland can show the rest of the world how it’s done – and ensure our people, businesses and communities can benefit from a greener, more sustainable economy.

“By capitalising on our strengths in energy, natural capital, innovation, and our skilled workforce, we can be at the forefront of growing global low carbon markets in the future.

“The Green Growth Accelerator illustrates how, working together across government, business and communities, we can capitalise on the economic, environmental and social benefits that our journey to net-zero present.” 

The parliamentary debate ‘Addressing the Climate Emergency’ takes place at 15:20 today (Wednesday 9 June).

Let’s do Net Zero!

Scottish Government launches climate campaign

A major TV, radio and digital campaign to encourage people across Scotland to come together to tackle the climate emergency has been launched ahead of COP26 in Glasgow later this year.

The Let’s do Net Zero campaign highlights the benefits a net zero society will bring for our economy, health and environment.

It also aims to raise greater awareness of the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, and the transformation that is required across all corners of our economy and society in order to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change.

The domestic campaign will provide information and resources to help support the choices and decisions we can all take to help reduce emissions whilst improving our health and wellbeing. It will also showcase the achievements of communities, businesses and organisations who have already taken action to reduce emissions and introduce more environmentally sustainable practices.

The international campaign will demonstrate the action that Scotland is taking to protect the planet, inviting global collaboration ahead of COP26.

Figures show that at least three quarters of the Scottish public agree that action on climate change must be taken now, while under a quarter consider themselves knowledgeable about the consequences of failing to act. 

Scotland is already committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and record capital investment of £1.9 billion will be spent on low-carbon projects in 2021/22 to tackle climate change and create good green jobs.


Launching the campaign, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “Scotland was one of the first countries in the world to declare a climate emergency and we are wholly committed to ending our contribution to climate change, definitively, by 2045.

“We can be proud that we have already halved our greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, but the second half of the journey to becoming a net-zero nation will be far more challenging, and require everyone to play their part.

“Climate change is the greatest threat facing the world’s population. It’s not a distant, far away problem: we’re already seeing the impact here in Scotland.

“The journey to net-zero will transform every aspect of our lives: how we live, how we work, how we travel. It presents huge potential for us to seize the opportunities that becoming a net-zero society presents – growing our economy, improving our health and wellbeing whilst protecting and enhancing Scotland’s iconic natural environment. 


“2021 is a vital year for climate action and COP26 in Glasgow puts Scotland centre stage. We’ll demonstrate the climate action Scotland is taking, the ways in which we put people and wellbeing at the heart of all we do, and how our Scottish values underpin our place in the world.

“The time for action is now. It is the people living on this planet, at this moment, who can secure the future of our climate for the next generations.

“This campaign highlights the need for urgent, collective action. If we all play our part in the just transition to net-zero, Scotland can show the rest of the world how it’s done – and ensure our people, businesses and communities are at the forefront of our new green economy.”

Join the Edinburgh Climate Compact

Call for more organisations to sign up and tackle climate change

Organisations across the Edinburgh are being urged to add their support to a citywide Climate Compact, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the climate emergency.

Ten of Edinburgh’s most significant employers from across the public and private sectors have already committed to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, promising to make changes within their own organisations and sectors which support the city’s ambition of net zero by 2030.

Established by the Edinburgh Climate Commission, the Compact signifies a commitment by organisations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through their operations, influence and leadership, transport and buildings.

Work continues through the Edinburgh Climate Commission to engage with businesses across the capital and encourage more organisations to sign up.

The Climate Compact commits signatories to 16 actions which will lead to clear change within their business practices, including:

  • Publicising what action each signatory is currently taking to address climate change. This includes the disclosure of current emission levels and publishing plans for how they plan to reduce carbon emissions.
  • Committing to retrofitting owned buildings and decarbonising operations to become more energy efficient and sustainable.
  • Prioritising active and sustainable travel in their workforce and investing in a switch to zero-emissions company owned vehicles.
  • Providing training for staff to develop their awareness and understanding of climate change and changes in their behaviour which could lead to a reduction in emissions.

Commissioner Clare Foster, who led the Climate Compact workstream for the Climate Commission, said: “The Edinburgh Climate Compact represents a significant step forward on the path to a new normal of sustainable business practice in a thriving green city.

“With COP26 set to take place in Scotland later this year, there never has been a better time to take stock of what kind of city we want to be, both for ourselves now and as a legacy for generations to come.

“It has been hugely encouraging to see this level of collaboration between different sectors and organisations of this size in Scotland when reducing emissions. I hope this in turn encourages other businesses and organisations to show their support and sign up to the Compact and help make a collective difference to Edinburgh’s emissions.

The Edinburgh Climate Commission will continue to provide oversight and direction to the Climate Compact.

Changeworks Chief Executive, Teresa Bray said: “Cutting carbon is at the heart of what Changeworks has done for over 30 years, and key to this is leading by example.

“We are always looking for new ways to reduce our own carbon footprint and look forward to working with the Edinburgh Climate Commission in the lead up to COP26 and beyond.”

Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar said: “We all have a responsibility to protect our climate and whether we are acting as an individual, as a business or as a collective of organisations, the goal is to become as sustainable as possible and promote Edinburgh’s proactive approach to others.

“Emissions are just one part of the wider sustainability goal and by working together to reduce them, we can work together to preserve the fantastic city that we call home. We are proud to be part of the Edinburgh Climate Compact and the airport’s forthcoming sustainability strategy will further cement our commitment to improvement and change.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn Managing Partner, Andrew Blain, said: “We are proud to have been one of the first signatories to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, which we hope will promote radical action on climate change across the Scottish capital and provide a model for effective public and private sector collaboration that others can follow.

“Shepherd and Wedderburn is committed to supporting a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We look forward to playing our part and working with the other Compact City Climate Champions to effect change and help Edinburgh achieve its net zero ambitions.”

SP Energy Networks, Chief Operating Officer Guy Jefferson, said: “Our power networks are an important enabler when it comes to Net Zero.

“We’re already investing £7bn to increase capacity on our electricity network and ensure it is ready to accommodate the added demands of electric vehicles and decarbonised heating, therefore facilitating a safe, sustainable, low carbon energy system for the benefit of current and future generations alike.

“There is a real opportunity for businesses to lead by example and demonstrate how we’re making the transition to a cleaner and greener future a reality. That’s why we’re phasing out fossil fuels by electrifying our own commercial fleet and taking steps to manage our waste more efficiently both in the City of Edinburgh and across Central Scotland.

“We know that even the smallest changes can make a big difference if we all pull in the same direction.”

“We’re delighted to join the Edinburgh Climate Compact. Net Zero is the prism through which we take our business decisions, and that has been a profound change. It’s a key reason for us becoming a Principal Partner of the COP26 global climate change conference being held in Scotland later this year. By working together, we can deliver the cleaner, greener and better future we all want, quicker.”

£8 million nature boost for urban communities

Almost £8 million of funding has been announced to help people and nature thrive in some of the most deprived parts of Scotland.

The latest round of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)’s ambitious Green Infrastructure Fund will support seven major projects in cities and towns across the central belt. Continue reading £8 million nature boost for urban communities