People will be able to access information, advice and skills needed to thrive in a net-zero economy the new Green Jobs Workforce Academy.
The Academy, which will be delivered by Skills Development Scotland, will help people take a greener approach to their careers, from accessing training and learning new skills to finding a new green job.
This 100 days commitment of the new Scottish Government has been launched as the First Minister welcomed news that ScottishPower were creating 152 new green jobs, of which 135 will be based in Scotland.
These new roles will be listed on the academy’s website alongside information on the types of jobs emerging in sectors crucial to Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy, such as renewable energy, construction and transport.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As we recover from the pandemic we are determined to build a fairer economy that delivers the skills, opportunities and jobs for the future that will help secure our transition to net-zero and end our contribution to climate change.
“The launch of our Green Jobs Workforce Academy is an invaluable step in preparing our current and future workforce to seize the opportunities afforded to us as part of that just transition. The academy will guide people of all ages through a process of identifying the skills they have and the skills they will need to find and secure green jobs.
“To help tackle climate change Scotland is already investing in green skills and attracting new green job opportunities. It is great to see ScottishPower creating 135 new green jobs in Scotland and I would encourage other employers to follow their lead. The Academy’s career advisors stand ready to support individuals interested in these jobs access the right training to help their career progress.
“Looking ahead to COP26 in Glasgow in November, Scotland can be proud that our climate change ambitions, backed by investment in creating a highly skilled green workforce, will be showcased on an international stage.”
CEO of ScottishPower Keith Anderson said: “As we electrify the economy to meet our Net Zero decarbonisation goals our electricity grid will have to be ready for a doubling in demand for power.
“The green jobs we’re announcing today will be critical in delivering the upgrade to the grid and critical investment in the country’s electricity infrastructure. The jobs are also part of our work to drive the green recovery forward through job creation and investment and sector that help tackle the climate emergency.”
Chair of Skills Development Scotland Frank Mitchell said: “There are already opportunities across a number of Scotland’s key economic sectors offering great career prospects for people with the right skills.
“The Green Jobs Workforce Academy will make it easier for people from a broad range of backgrounds to consider how their skills and experience can be built upon to launch a green career. It’s part of a range of measures SDS and its partners is engaged in through the Climate Emergency Skills Action to help us meet the challenges we now face.”
Regions and nations of the UK blueprint for how NOT to deliver the green jobs revolution, says GMB Union
GMB, the energy union, has said the UK must learn from its own energy and industrial policy failures if it is to set the standard at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.
The union’s call comes after Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband said Boris Johnson must take ‘personal responsibility’ for the talks.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: “Climate justice and economic justice must go hand-in-hand -which means delivering the jobs transition to help reach net zero.
“But with the world coming to Glasgow, the UK isn’t any closer to this than it was in 2015.
“The regions and nations of the UK are a blueprint for how not to deliver the green jobs revolution. Look at Scotland and the broken promises of 28,000 offshore wind manufacturing jobs and “a Saudi Arabia of renewables”. Instead supply chains have been starved of work and investment.
“Despite this, our political class persist in playing fast and loose with the futures of energy workers, and with security of supply.
“This is not how you take working class people with you on a journey to net zero.
“The UK can’t set the standards at COP26 unless we start learning the lessons from our own failures on energy and industrial policy.”
SP Energy Networks has launched a recruitment drive for 152 green jobs to help support multi-billion pound network investment
Roles in engineering, construction, sustainability, analysis, safety, environmental planning available with the majority, 135, based in Central and Southern Scotland
These green jobs will be at the forefront of the transformation of the electricity network in the region and vital to delivering Net Zero
SP Energy Networks has launched its largest recruitment drive this century with 152 green jobs on offer over the next four months. The news was announced this morning as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited SP Energy Networks’ training centre, Dealain House, to announce the New Green Jobs Workforce Academy.
The 152 green jobs will be at the forefront of work to enhance the electricity network to enable the rapid uptake of renewables and low carbon technologies needed to help Scotland and the wider UK reach its Net Zero target.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:“To help tackle climate change Scotland is already investing in green skills and attracting new green job opportunities. It is great to see ScottishPower creating 135 new green jobs in Scotland and I would encourage other employers to follow their lead.
“The Academy’s career advisors stand ready to support individuals interested in these jobs access the right training to help their career progress.
“Looking ahead to COP26 in Glasgow in November, Scotland can be proud that our climate change ambitions, backed by investment in creating a highly skilled green workforce, will be showcased on an international stage.”
In the year when Glasgow hosts the UN’s climate change summit, COP26, the Glasgow headquartered company is pleased to be able to offer such a diverse range of green opportunities.
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, explains more:“With less than 100 days to go to COP26 in Glasgow, we’re bringing truly green jobs to Scotland to support the country with its ambitions to be Net Zero by 2045.
“These roles offer a variety of career opportunities in a company that is committed to Net Zero and is investing millions of pounds every single day to help bring about a cleaner, greener future.”
The majority of roles will be based in Central and Southern Scotland where SP Energy Networks is responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 4,000km of cables and lines that make up the transmission network. This network connects generation infrastructure like windfarms into the electricity system and transports that electricity onto towns and cities.
Over the next five years, SP Energy Networks is investing £2 billion in its transmission network to support the increase in renewable energy needed to meet Scotland’s climate change targets and to ensure a resilient and reliant network fit for the future as electricity demand grows.
To help deliver this investment, SP Energy Networks is recruiting 126 candidates who will work across a number of major projects to build a transmission network fit for Net Zero.
This increases the staff employed in SP Energy Networks Transmission business by over 25% and is on top of the 135 apprentices and graduates across SP Energy Networks who started this year.
An additional 26 positions will be recruited into SP Energy Networks Distribution business to accelerate projects that support Net Zero ambitions.
These posts offer long-term, skilled roles across varying disciplines including engineering, project management, construction, environmental planning and sustainability.
Frank adds: “We currently directly employ around 2,700 staff and over the next 12 months we are embarking on our largest recruitment drive in over 20 years. This demonstrates the scale of work we’re about to begin, investing billions in our network to help the UK reach its climate change targets.
“In our transmission business alone, we’re investing £2bn out to 2026 and we’re only just beginning. We also have very ambitious plans for our distribution businesses, and if our plans are agreed with Ofgem, we will be expanding these new 152 roles considerably.
“The opportunities we have range from Planning Engineers to Programme Analysts to Project Managers and offer long-term, green jobs that will be right at the heart of the transition to Net Zero through a green economic recovery.
“We’re about to start work on a number of major projects critical to helping Scotland achieve its climate ambitions and you could be part of it. I would encourage anyone with an interest to come forward and see if a career with SP Energy Networks is for you.”
Further information on the roles available can be found here:
● Sacha Dench (The Human Swan) is currently undertaking a World Record attempt as part of the Round Britain Climate Challenge and visited The AIG Women’s Open this week ● Flying around Britain on a journey powered solely by green energy, Sacha will be encouraging people to make their own individual commitments to slow climate change
Together with its partners ekko and HELPFUL, Mastercard has pledged to donate and plant 75,000 trees in support of the Round Britain Climate Challenge, the first ever circumnavigation attempt of mainland Britain with an electric paramotor.
Equating to roughly 25 trees planted for every mile of the trip, the Mastercard pledge made alongside its Priceless Planet Coalition partners is part of the company’s ongoing drive to tackle climate change, encourage sustainability, and equip its network to be a positive force for the environment. Working with Conservation International, trees will be planted in Sacha’s original home country of Australia as well as Kenya and Brazil.
As an official Patron of The AIG Women’s Open and to celebrate the expedition, Mastercard brought Sacha Dench, known as The Human Swan, together with Mastercard ambassador and golf pro Brooke Henderson at Carnoustie Golf Links on Wednesday to highlight how we can come together to battle climate change.
The R&A also partners with Mastercard on sustainable practices. On site at the Championship Course, water stations have been installed as part of The Open Water Initiative.
The initiative was first launched in 2019 during The 148th Open at Royal Portrush with the aim to remove all single use plastic water bottles at the Championship and has proved successful with 244,000 single-plastic bottles saved collectively in 2019 and 2021 so far at the Mastercard sponsored events.
Carnoustie will be equipped with contactless modules for fans to make voluntary donations of £1.50 to the Priceless Planet Coalition.
Scott Abrahams, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Mastercard UK & Ireland said, “We are proud to pledge 75,000 trees in support of the Round Britain Climate Challenge.
“It is an exciting and pioneering expedition, tackling climate change head-on and crucially raising awareness in the UK. At Mastercard we share the same common goal which includes our Priceless Planet Coalition commitments to restore 100 million trees by 2025. Today is another step towards achieving that goal alongside our fintech and sporting partners, to create a greener, more sustainable planet.”
Sacha Dench, Round Britain Climate Challenge pilot, commented: “Britain drove the Industrial Revolution, can we drive the Green Revolution too? This is one of the questions that the Round Britain Climate Challenge is trying to answer and we all have a part to play.
“I am delighted that Mastercard is undertaking this pledge to plant so many trees – such a vitally important factor in combating the climate emergency – whilst also taking action at events such as The Women’s Open.”
Brooke Henderson, Mastercard ambassador and golf professional, added: “It was great meeting Sacha today to hear more about how we can tackle climate change, not just in the UK but around the world.
“The Women’s Open, and golf more broadly, is an opportunity to raise awareness so I’m pleased to see The R&A and Mastercard taking action to be more sustainable.”
Oli Cook, CEO & Co-Founder of ekko, said:“We’re proud to support Sacha and The Round Britain Climate Challenge with this pledge to donate and plant trees.
“We’re committed to positive change and turning the tide on climate change at ekko and Sacha is doing just that by raising awareness and encouraging climate action.”
Evan Michaels, Co-Founder and CEO of Helpful commented: “We are excited to support Sasha in this great expedition. It aligns perfectly with our mission here at HELPFUL to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable living to millions of people around the country.
“We want to inspire people to consider their shopping choices and along with our pledge to plant 75,000 tree with our partners at Priceless Planet Coalition, we hope to play a small part in creating a healthier planet.”
Sacha Dench, who set off in June, is leading the 3000+ mile journey and world record attempt for the longest ever flight in an electric paramotor. She has been stopping frequently, talking with, filming, and gathering information from industry, innovators and entrepreneurs, local heroes, communities, schools, farmers and individuals – anybody interested in or involved in addressing the effects of climate change in their areas.
A compilation of these stories will be presented at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.
Fans at Carnoustie and people across the UK can Start Something Priceless by donating a tree via the Mastercard Priceless Planet page. Mastercard will match every tree donated on this link.
Here’s the latest Capital Cops column from Chief Superintendent Sean Scott:
The lifting of virtually all coronavirus restrictions now means that most of the features that makes Edinburgh great are starting to re-emerge.
This is in no small way down to the significant sacrifices and efforts you have made over the past 18 months, including getting vaccinated. I would encourage everyone who can, especially the younger generation, who have been a bit slower on the uptake, to get vaccinated.
The city is starting to buzz again, which is so welcome, especially Edinburgh’s world-renowned night time economy.
Our Operation Nightguard deployments have recommenced, with officers patrolling areas around licensed premises and conducting regular checks within to offer reassurance to staff and patrons and deter criminal activity.
We want everyone to be safe and really enjoy themselves so please ensure that, if you are on that long-awaited night out, you drink and behave responsibly and don’t let over-indulgence ruin things.
Other great news is that the Edinburgh Festival is back, albeit on a smaller scale but that still equates to a much busier city centre with hotels starting to fill again.
Consequently, Operation Summer City has commenced, which my officers and staff really enjoy, as it’s an opportunity for them to meet and help people from across the globe in making the most of their visit, representing both the capital and its Police Scotland guardians in the best light possible.
The good news, so far, is that there have been very few issues with the vast majority of those attending Festival events and celebrations doing so in good spirits, while adhering to those remaining COVID precautions.
Our Edinburgh Division social media channels are continuing to provide the public with useful advice and guidance on how to stay safe during the Festival so please ‘like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive these updates.
Alternatively, visit www.scotland.police.uk where all of our personal safety and crime prevention advice is readily available 24/7.
Like me, you’ll have been enjoying the sunny weather over the past few weeks and with that, we have seen larger numbers of bicycles and motorcycles back on our roads. I would encourage all road users to be mindful of cyclists and motorcyclists, giving them plenty of space and time when passing or joining traffic.
Similarly, I would also encourage those who ride bikes of any sort to do all you can to stay safe on the road. This includes wearing high-visibility clothing and helmets, travelling at appropriate speeds and obeying all traffic signals and signage.
Unfortunately, the increase in people using this healthier form of travel can lead to an unhealthy increase in bike thefts, if care isn’t taken around security.
To that end, our Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships Department have been holding crime prevention stalls and bike marking events as part of the national Pedal Protect bike security campaign.
Please think seriously about getting your bike marked and contact your local policing team to arrange it – details are on our website at
The summer comes … and then it goes to be replaced by all our autumn and winter responsibilities such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year. However, on top of those, it won’t have escaped your attention that the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November is on the horizon.
Edinburgh will have no small part to play in these globally important proceedings but I can reassure everyone that, with the eyes of the world on Scotland and its police service, careful and detailed planning is underway to ensure that all communities will still receive the quality, responsive service they need and deserve during that time.
As always, I look forward to working closely with partners for the planning phases of all these policing operations.
Stay safe and I hope you all enjoy a great summer with everything that Edinburgh has to offer.
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh
New group to advise government on environmental crises
Scientists, climate and nature professionals have been appointed to a new group of international experts, tasked with advising the Scottish Government on environmental issues.
Formed as a commitment for the first 100 days of government, the First Minister’s Environmental Council will focus on Scotland’s ambitious trajectory, drawing on global best practice to keep Scotland at the forefront of tackling the climate emergency and ecological decline.
The council will be co-chaired by the First Minister and Professor Sir Ian Boyd, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Its members include Scottish wildlife filmmaker and presenter Gordon Buchanan MBE and Dame Ellen MacArthur, the successful solo long-distance yachtswoman and champion for the circular economy.
The group will meet regularly to discuss a range of environmental issues, such as biodiversity, marine resources, waste, and the nature-based aspects of climate change and the Just Transition, before presenting their proposed work areas and future plans in a report at COP26.
The First Minister said: “The scientific report earlier this month from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) signalled a code red for humanity – it makes absolutely clear the severe threat and heightened risk posed by the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
“It is crucial that the international community takes this opportunity to significantly raise global climate action and ambition. With COP26 coming to Glasgow, Scotland has a unique opportunity to show leadership on the international stage.
“That’s why we committed to appoint, within the first 100 days of this government, environmental experts from around the world, to advise on international best practice to help us tackle this unprecedented challenge. The group will balance experience, a strong international perspective, the youth voice, and topical awareness, at the highest, global level.
“As well as acting as a sounding board for our near term policies, the group will advise us on the long-term policy trajectory for Scotland – taking into account the opportunities that becoming a net-zero society presents: growing our economy, improving our health and wellbeing and protecting Scotland’s iconic natural environment.”
MEMBERS:
Professor Sir Ian L Boyd FRSB FRSE FRS (Co-Chair), University of St Andrews, President-elect of the Royal Society of Biology
Professor Ian Bateman OBE, US-NAS, FBA, FRSA, FRSB, Director of Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute, University of Exeter Business School
Gordon Buchanan MBE, award-winning wildlife camera-man and presenter
Revati Campbell, MSYP for Dundee West
Professor Gretchen Daily, Bing Professor of Environmental Science, Stanford University, USA Faculty Director – The Natural Capital Project
Professor Sandra Diaz, National University of Cordoba, Argentina
Susan Davies FRSB, Chief Executive, Scottish Seabird Centre
Erin Fowler, University of Glasgow
Dame Ellen MacArthur, Founder & Chair of Trustees Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Professor Yadvinder Malhi, University of Oxford
Dr Ece Özdemiroğlu, founding director of eftec (economics for the environment consultancy)
Dr Dilys Roe, Principal Researcher and Team Leader (Biodiversity) and Chair, IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SULi), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Dame Julia Slingo FRS, Chief Scientist of the UK Met Office (2009 -2016)
Professor Pete Smith FRS, FRSE, FNA, FEurASc, FI Soil Sci., FRSB, Professor of Soils & Global Change, University of Aberdeen
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was briefed on the policing operation for COP26 during a visit to Police Scotland yesterday.
Mr Johnson met officers and staff working at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, and at the Scottish Crime Campus, Gartcosh, and thanked them for their public service during the pandemic.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack also participated in the visit and both met with officers and staff from Police Scotland’s newly formed International Academy, and spoke with probationary Constables.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Police forces across the U.K. have played a crucial role in keeping us safe throughout the pandemic.
“I was delighted to visit Tulliallan and give my thanks to the officers and recruits of Police Scotland.
“I congratulate them on the launch of their International Academy and I look forward to working together to deliver the COP26 conference this November in Glasgow.”
During the visit to Police Scotland Headquarters, hosted by Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, the Prime Minister was briefed on the policing operation for the COP26 summit due to be held in Glasgow over two weeks in November.
The United Nations climate conference will require one of the largest policing operations undertaken in the history of the United Kingdom with over 100 world leaders expected to attend.
Around 10,000 officers will be deployed on some days of the event with a significant number coming from police services across the UK, via mutual aid arrangements.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “The officers and staff of Police Scotland have performed vital duties to support the collective efforts against coronavirus.
“They have done so in line with the values that underpin all we do – integrity, fairness, respect and commitment to upholding human rights and working with the consent of our fellow citizens to improve the lives of our communities.
“Those principles will be at the heart of our operation to police COP26, a major international event for Glasgow, Scotland and the whole of the United Kingdom. As a service committed to fundamental human rights, we will help people to make their voices heard on the crucial subject of climate change, while minimising disruption and ensuring all our communities continue to get the policing service they need and deserve.”
The Prime Minister also met with officers and staff based at the Scottish Crime Campus (SCC) at Gartcosh which houses staff from key agencies operating in Scotland, as well as state-of-the-art forensics laboratories, to combat the threat from serious crime and terrorism.
The Scottish Government funded SCC was opened in 2014.
● With 100 days to go until the UN climate change summit COP26, 13 ambassadors are encouraging the country to follow their green footsteps and play their part in tackling climate change
● The first tranche of ‘One Step Greener’ ambassadors include Edinburgh’s Sara Thomson of The Leith Collective
● Nation to nominate everyday climate leaders to be part of the 26 ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors who symbolise the best in UK climate leadership and whose stories will be showcased at the crucial summit in November
People from across the country will have the chance to showcase their stories at the major climate summit COP26 in Glasgow, as a search for everyday climate leaders gets underway today (Saturday 24 July).
In the lead up to COP26 with less than 100 days to go, the UK Government is calling on people from all walks of life to join the ‘One Step Greener’ movement on social media by sharing how they are doing their bit for the environment, championing climate leaders in their communities, and inspiring others to follow their lead. Whether big or small, one or many, green steps around the country can culminate in a large collective impact in helping make Britain a more sustainable and greener place.
The nation will also be able to nominate people in their communities who they think are making a big difference in the fight against climate change. They will have the chance to become ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors and showcase their stories at COP26 this November – which aims to be the most inclusive COP ever.
Those nominated could be family members, friends, colleagues, community leaders or entrepreneurs: anyone who is taking action to tackle climate change and inspiring others to follow in their green footsteps.
Leading the charge are 13 inspiring people, announced today as the first ambassadors for the ‘One Step Greener’ initiative, who will be launching the search for another 13 extraordinary individuals ahead of COP26 – making 26 everyday climate leaders in the UK to mark the 26th climate summit of its kind.
The ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors will come from all walks of life in their pursuit of a greener future, as they come together with government, businesses, community groups, schools, and citizens in taking steps to tackle climate change.
Prime Minister Boris Johnsonsaid: “The UK has made huge strides towards a greener future, with new records in renewable energy and new targets for slashing emissions. But there are also thousands of people across the country doing their bit too, from embarking on green careers and building sustainable businesses to reducing their use of plastic and taking part in conservation projects.
“We can all do our bit to help tackle climate change. That’s why we’re challenging everyone to go one step greener in the next 100 days and win the chance to become an ambassador ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this November.”
COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said: “In my many meetings with ministers and governments around the world we discuss the big changes which urgently need to be made to tackle climate change.
“Setting ambitious emissions reductions targets, supporting developing nations, and protecting nature are all vital if we are to keep temperatures from rising above 1.5C.
“But there is a role in tackling climate change for everyone, and it is heartening to see all parts of society embracing their responsibility to safeguard our precious planet, no matter how big or small a step.”
The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said:“I couldn’t be more delighted to be named a One Step Greener Ambassador ahead of COP26. This is a great opportunity to tell us about what you, or someone you know, is doing to be one step greener. It could end up with you joining us to help tackle climate change at COP26.”
World leaders will meet in Glasgow with the aim of agreeing how to tackle the urgent threat of global climate change. The UK is working to prevent global temperatures rising above 1.5C and to protect the planet and people from the intensifying impacts of climate change, which unchecked will lead to further catastrophic flooding, bush fires, extreme weather, and the mass extinction of species. The UK has been leading the way and shown that green growth is possible. The UK was also the first country to commit to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and is on course to be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise cars and vans by 2030.
British female racing driver Alice Powell has become one of the first ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors. Yesterday, Powell arrived in her ground-breaking Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Car racing car which is redefining the green future of motor sport.
There she met with the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for COP26 Allegra Stratton to discuss her involvement as an Ambassador for the ‘One Step Greener’ initiative. Alice and the Envision Virgin Racing team will also host COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma at the London ePrix, an annual race of the single-seater, electrically powered Formula E championship.
The ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors have been announced today to cover all parts of the UK and include:
Dame Jackie Daniel – NHS Trust CEO
Dame Jackie began her NHS career as a nurse before moving into management and has been a Chief Executive Officer for 20 years leading a range of acute, mental health and specialist trusts.
She was appointed as Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals in March 2018 and since then, the Trust has retained its outstanding CQC status and became the first NHS organisation to pledge to reach Net Zero Carbon.
She was recently named as one of the top five chief executives of the year in the HSJ awards for 2021.
Dame Jackie Daniel said: “COP26 will be a defining moment in the global effort to tackle climate change and I am honoured to be named a One Step Greener Ambassador.
“Climate change poses a major threat to people’s and the planet’s health which is why the NHS in England has committed to become the world’s first carbon net zero national health system. I hope I can encourage the public to do their bit to protect our planet as well as nominating others who are going One Step Greener.”
Hugo Chambers – Sustainable Sourcing Manager and Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Sainsbury’s
Hugo’s job at Sainsbury’s is to help reduce the impact of our food on the planet, whether that’s lowering the carbon footprint of products such as coffee or cheese or ensuring the palm oil in their products do not contribute to the deforestation of tropical forests. Outside of work, Hugo also tries to make greener decisions where he can such as cycling to work and trying to eat a more healthy and sustainable diet.
Hugo Chambers said: “My passion for protecting the environment is central to the work that I do, which is to help reduce the impact of our food consumption on the planet, whether that’s by helping to reduce the carbon footprint of products, or ensuring that palm oil in our products doesn’t contribute to the deforestation of tropical forests.
“I hope that as a One Step Greener Ambassador, I can help inspire and encourage people up and down the country to lead healthier, more sustainable lives as the UK gets ready to host COP26 in November. Who are you going to nominate to be a One Step Greener Ambassador?”
The full list of 13 are Sara Thomson (The Leith Collective), Dame Jackie Daniel (NHS), Alice Powell (Envision Virgin Racing), Hugo Chambers (Sainsbury’s), Jasmine Allen (SSE), Toby McCartney (MacRebur), James Lloyd-Jones (Jones Food Company), Emer Rafferty (youth environmentalist), Ade Adepitan (Paralympic medalist and TV presenter) , Max La Manna (low-waste chef), Rob Thompson (Odyssey Innovation), Ash Dykes (adventurer and extreme athlete) and Buffy Buroughs (Green Gathering Festival).
Nominations will close on 1October and the final 26 ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors will be announced on 7 October, 26 days before the crucial summit begins.
Scotland makes international pledge to help deliver the Paris Agreement
With 100 days until COP26 comes to Glasgow, Scotland has set out how it will help meet the global goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The indicative Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) published today (23 July) outlines Scotland’s contribution to preventing warming of more than 1.5 degrees.
Scotland is understood to be the first government that is not a formal party to the Paris Agreement to publish an indicative NDC.
While only parties to the Paris Agreement may submit NDCs, the Scottish Government committed to publishing an indicative NDC as an sign of Scotland’s commitment to joining and leading the international effort on tackling climate change. Its publication was a 100 day commitment for the government.
The indicative NDC reflects Scotland’s distinctive framework of statutory emissions reduction targets, in particular our world-leading 2030 target to reduce emissions of all major greenhouse gases by at least 75%. It also sets out our approach to achieving these ambitious targets, with a commitment to deliver a just transition at its heart.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said:“With COP26 coming to Glasgow, Scotland has a unique opportunity to show leadership on climate action on the international stage.
“I’m proud to publish this pledge, setting out how Scotland is contributing to the global aims of the Paris Agreement. By highlighting our own action, we hope to inspire others to raise their ambition.
“COP26 represents the world’s best chance – and possibly one of our last chances – to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. We are working hard with our delivery partners to make sure the event is safe and secure and to create a platform for agreeing decisive climate action.”
As part of the climate agreement negotiated in Paris in 2015, signatories must publish NDCs – plans that set out their action to contribute to the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees ( with “further efforts” to limit it to no more than 1.5 degrees).
While taking centre stage at November’s international event is something to look forward to, the Scottish Government has pressing local issues to deal with before then. The number of Covid cases in Scotland remains worryingly high and 22 deaths were recorded yesterday – the highest figure for four months.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stressed Scotland’s commitment to making sure people across the world benefit from a just transition to net zero.
Speaking yesterday at the Austrian World Summit on a panel including climate activist Greta Thunberg and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall, the First Minister said that the world must seize its chance to tackle the climate crisis fairly at COP26 in Glasgow.
Building on the role of Scotland’s Climate Assembly in domestic policy-making, £100,000 of funding is being made available to support the Global Climate Assembly, an initiative which will bring together 100 participants from the global north and south to learn from each other, and to make recommendations which will feed into COP26 discussions.
Further funding of £190,000 is also being made available to support a fourth year of the Malawi Climate Youth Leaders Project, in recognition of the inter-generational impacts of climate change.
The First Minister said: “The climate crisis – with its inter-related threats of climate change, nature loss and pollution – remains the single biggest challenge the world faces. COP26 represents the world’s best chance – and possibly one of our last chances – to limit global warming to 1.5°.
“One of the great injustices of the climate crisis is that the people and countries who are worst affected are usually those who have done least to cause it.
“At Glasgow, their needs must be recognised, and their voices must be heard. The Scottish Government is determined to help with that process.
“All of us – and governments in particular – now need to summon that same sense of urgency in tackling the climate crisis. If we do, COP26 can become a global turning point – one which ensures that as we recover from the pandemic, we create a greener and fairer world.”
While the First Minister may have enjoyed her appearance on the world stage yesterday, it’s back to urgent domestic matters today.
A record 4234 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Scotland yesterday and national clinical director Prof Jason Leitch has admitted that the huge increase in Covid-19 cases is putting considerable strain on Scotland’s contact tracing system.
Public Health Scotland figures suggest it is now taking longer to contact infectious people and to track down their close contacts, leading to wider spread.
Ms Sturgeon will face the press when she holds a media briefing at lunchtime today.
