First Minister comments on COP28

Recognition of climate crisis is historic, he reckons – but environmental campaigning groups disagree

Commenting on the conclusion of the COP28 summit in Dubai, Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I welcome the news that an agreement has been reached at COP28, notably, the $700 million committed to address loss and damage and the pledge to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner.

“This recognition that the climate crisis is a fossil fuel crisis is historic. It is disappointing that there was not a stronger resolution committing to the phase-out of all unabated fossil fuels, however we must all now work together to turn these words into action and to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.

“The agreement on loss and damage represents a significant step forward in the fight for global climate justice. We must, however, recognise that this sum is only a fraction of what will be needed to address the irreversible economic and non-economic losses which are being suffered by developing countries every year.

“We are at a pivotal moment in the fight to tackle the climate emergency and address the devastating effects of climate change – and Scotland will continue to play our part.

“It is absolutely crucial that we have political consensus on climate change – both at home and abroad – and that we work together to make a constructive contribution to addressing this monumental challenge.”

COP28: Weak climate deal slammed

Self-interest, weak leadership and a lack of urgency

Responding to the conclusion of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, Friends of the Earth’s international climate campaigner, Rachel Kennerley – who has been attending the talks – said: “Self-interest, weak leadership and a lack of urgency by wealthy countries like the UK, Japan and US and the EU bloc, has resulted in a desperately inadequate COP28 resolution that leaves the world on a collision course with the worst of climate breakdown.

“These talks will never achieve the breakthrough we need until the rich countries that have contributed most to the climate crisis, including the UK, face up to their responsibilities by phasing out the use of fossil fuels fairly and fast and by providing adequate funding for poorer nations.

“Rishi Sunak may like to claim that the UK is showing global leadership on this issue, but under his premiership key climate policies have been watered down, his international promise to cut UK emissions by a third has veered dangerously off course and he has declared an ambition to ‘max out’ North Sea gas and oil.

“We urgently need our leaders to seize the huge opportunities growing a green economy would bring, from new, long-term jobs and lower energy bills, to improving our health and wellbeing, as well as protecting the planet for future generations.”

Greenpeace: COP28 sends the signal the fossil fuel industry has been afraid of

The final outcome of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai is not the historical deal the world needs, but it does send the signal the fossil fuel industry has been afraid of: the fossil fuel era is ending.

In response to the final COP28 outcome, Kaisa Kosonen, Senior Political Advisor at Greenpeace International said: “The signal that the fossil industry has been afraid of is there: ending the fossil fuel era, along with a call to massively scale up renewables and efficiency this decade, but it’s buried under many dangerous distractions and without sufficient means to achieve it in a fair and fast manner.

“You won’t find the words ‘phase out’ in the text, but that’s what the equitable transition away from fossil fuels in line with 1.5°C and science will necessitate, when implemented sustainably. And that’s what we’re determined to make happen, now more than ever.

“The outcome leaves poorer countries well short of the resources they will need for renewable energy transition and other needs. For the many goals of the agreement to be realised, rich countries will need to significantly step up financial support and make fossil fuel polluters pay. Only last year the fossil fuel industry made $4 trillion in profits, and they need to start paying for the harm and destruction they have caused.

“This is not the historical deal that the world needed: It has many loopholes and shortcomings. But history will be made if all those nearly 130 countries, businesses, local leaders and civil society voices, who came together to form an unprecedented force for change, now take this determination and make the fossil fuel phase out happen. Most urgently that means stopping all those expansion plans that are pushing us over the 1.5°C limit right now.”

Ghiwa Nakat, Executive Director, Greenpeace Middle East & North Africa, said: “COP28 has sent an unprecedented signal to the world that the starting gun has been fired for the end of the fossil fuel era.

“We commend the efforts of the COP presidency to conclude with a final acknowledgement of the need to transition away from fossil fuels and to mobilise climate finance with more than $700million pledged to the operationalised Loss and Damage Fund.

“But communities on the frontline of the climate catastrophe need more than this. They need to see an unwavering and resolute commitment to a rapid, equitable, and well-funded phaseout of all fossil fuels – together with a comprehensive finance package for developing countries to transition to renewables and cope with escalating climate impacts.

“We leave Dubai knowing that hope is still alive but our mission is far from over!”

Mike Robinson, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said: “It is hard to feel any excitement about this outcome, and given these talks were hosted by the head of an oil company, many people will be completely unsurprised that the final outcome fails to give any sense of urgency and ignores what the science has been telling us for decades – ‘cop-ping out’ of delivering a long overdue agreement to urgently phase out from the coal, oil and gas that is fuelling the crisis.

“This failure means the world remains on track for catastrophic levels of heating and the debt owed to countries who did least to cause the crisis to help them to cope and recover from extreme climate impacts will only increase.

“The onus is now on individual countries to do what is so urgently needed, and channel their efforts into delivering progress, rather than impeding the necessary change. The UK Government must cancel the new oil and gas licensing round. At the same time, the Scottish Government must clearly and strongly oppose new oil development, and say no to new gas at Peterhead, while swiftly delivering a robust new climate plan that gets us on track to meeting and exceeding our climate targets through a just transition that is fairly funded by making the biggest polluters pay for their damage.”

Fr Leonard Chiti, Jesuit Provincial for Southern Africa and part of the SCIAF delegation at COP28 said: “COP28 has sent a clear signal that the fossil fuel era is coming to an end and that every nation must now redouble their efforts to reduce emissions in line with the 1.5C temperature goal.

“However, it simply has not gone far enough; not urgent enough, not ambitious enough. At the start of COP28, Pope Francis and many others called for the elimination of fossil fuels. This final text does not secure that, and we must now re-double our efforts towards a fossil fuel free future.”

Bringing communities together in cleaner, greener spaces

Councillor Val Walker writes about revitalising our town and local centres with a 20-minute neighbourhood approach:

Being able to live well locally is incredibly important to our quality of life. Our town and local centres play a huge role in daily lives. Whether you live round the corner or in the surrounding area, many of us meet friends and family, shop, work, use libraries and other local services, and enjoy culture around our high streets.

The importance of town and local centres has been a leading thought in updating one of our key strategies to help people across Edinburgh live in places that are healthier, greener, more vibrant and inclusive.

The updated 20-minute neighbourhood strategy outlines our support for local living to give more people more choice within their neighbourhood, while also making it easier to travel further to reach the other services and facilities they need on public transport and by active travel. It’s one that many communities already enjoy, but sadly isn’t a universal experience for all of our residents.

Local centres that are easy to access and great places to spend time can boost our own health, help us to be more physically active, and make it easier to connect with the other people in our communities.

This work is already well underway in Craigmillar, Muirhouse and Pennywell where our regeneration projects have enhanced the local centres with the delivery of new community facilities, shops, and homes.

They will soon be joined by the new Community Hub at Macmillan Square, which will feature an early years centre, library, skills hub and expanded North Edinburgh Arts facility.

New active travel links with green spaces and areas for socialising are also being planned to make it easier to access the local centres and create a more pleasant place to live and visit.

We are also approaching the next stages of an exciting town centre revitalisation programme in Dalry and Portobello. These town centres are built around busy main roads with compromised and cramped public spaces.

Our engagement work in these areas earlier this year presented a real appetite for change and ideas for making local spaces more people-friendly. These ideas have helped shaped some of the very initial plans for development, which we will be presenting to the community through consultation next year. We strongly welcome everyone’s feedback.

This is our 20-minute neighbourhood approach in action, ensuring services and facilities are close to people, making them easier to access and helping make walking, wheeling and cycling to be the natural choice for shorter journeys.

If we work together, we can start to see how all residents throughout Edinburgh can enjoy a more thriving city that brings communities together in cleaner, greener spaces.

New ‘school zone’ to bring safer streets for Dalry Primary pupils

Pupils at Dalry Primary School are set to benefit from safer streets and improved air quality with the introduction of a new ‘school zone’.

Following the results of a School Travel survey, the City of Edinburgh Council is introducing the initiative in both side streets of Dalry Primary School, covering two pupil entrances on Springwell Place and Cathcart Place.

School children shared their ideas to improve the school zone with the parents, carers and local residents following a day of engagement on 5th December.

The Council will receive £46,000 from Sustrans’ Temporary School Streets Fund to widen the footpath outside the school and reduce vehicle traffic in the immediate area surrounding the school.

Such ‘school zones’ offer a number of benefits for everyone, including increasing walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils, parents and carers, while also reducing the speed of traffic, congestion and pollution around school gates.

Dalry Primary School is working with the Council and Sustrans to collaboratively design the project, which could include some playful elements such as artwork, planters and benches or seats, so children feel safer and more relaxed.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As part of our recent survey, parents have told us that the streets surrounding Dalry Primary School can be busy with traffic and difficult to navigate safely at certain times of the day.

“This new ‘school zone’ is part of our 20-minute neighbourhood approach in the local area to create a safer, more relaxed environment for everyone to move around and spend time.

“We have seen from other similar initiatives across the city that many parents have enjoyed being able to walk and cycle more easily with their children every day, and we look forward to monitoring the results of this project and hopefully delivering the same benefits right across Dalry in partnership with local residents and businesses.

“I know that many other schools in Edinburgh suffer from the same problems, so I hope that they will be able to learn from Dalry Primary School. No parent should have to worry about their child walking to school.

Elaine Honeyman, Headteacher at Dalry Primary School, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our students is a top priority.

By reducing traffic at pick-up and drop-off times, parents and children will feel more empowered to walk, wheel or cycle to school.

“Older pupils making their way to school on their own will be able to cross the roads much more safely.

Limiting car access also reduces noise and air pollution, creating a more pleasant and sustainable atmosphere for both our school and the surrounding community.

Eilish MacKay, P7 Pupil at Dalry Primary School, shared her thoughts: “I think this will improve safety around our school.

“It will encourage more families to do exercise, and walk, cycle or scooter to school.

“The improved width of the pavements will allow families to walk more safely without being squished up.

“If we can reduce the traffic in the streets around the school, it will decrease the pollution and give us cleaner air to breathe.”

Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Behaviour Change, Sustrans Scotland said: “Creating a safe environment for young people is so important. Our latest Hands Up Scotland Survey revealed that nearly 50 percent of school pupils are travelling actively to school, either by walking, cycling, scootering or skating.

“Through the Temporary School Streets Fund, we can encourage even more families to leave the car at home in favour of cleaner air and safer streets.”

The school zone outside Dalry Primary School will reduce motor traffic on Cathcart Place and Springwell Place (where the school has its entrances) on school days between 8:15 and 9:15am, Mondays to Thursdays between 2:30 and 3:45pm and Fridays between 11:30 and 1pm.

Local access will continue for residents of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, emergency services and blue badge holders.

An online survey is available until 15 January 2024, where residents, parents and carers can share comments on the current safety levels of Springwell Place and Cathcart Place, alongside their feedback and suggestions for the school zone project.

The project is due to be delivered in March 2024.

NOW WE RISE!

We’re joining the COP28 Global Day of Action in Edinburgh!

Let’s show that Scotland is united for action – to tackle the climate and nature crisis, secure sustainable jobs & a fairer, greener society.

Saturday, 9th December

Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Edinburgh

https://climatefringe.org/cop28-scotland

New Edinburgh office for floating offshore wind pioneers

Gillian Martin MSP, Minister for Energy and the Environment formally opens new Scottish office for BlueFloat Energy & Renantis Partnership
Edinburgh office will be the hub from which the Partnership will develop its UK pipeline of floating offshore wind farms

A new office for the BlueFloat Energy | Renantis Partnership was opened in Edinburgh last week [Wednesday 29 November] by the Scottish Energy Minister, strengthening the Partnership’s position at the forefront of floating offshore wind development in Scotland, and creating a hub from which it will develop its UK offshore wind pipeline.

The Partnership brings together BlueFloat Energy and Renantis with the aim of contributing to a world leading floating offshore wind industry in the UK.

With 3.3 gigawatts (GW) of floating offshore wind in development in Scotland, the Partnership has two ScotWind sites – Broadshore north of Fraserburgh and Bellrock east of Aberdeen, as well as the majority stake in the consortium with Ørsted to develop the Stromar project east of Wick.

Two further innovation projects, Sinclair & Scaraben, which lie adjacent to Broadshore were secured in the recent INTOG leasing round and could pave the way for the Partnership’s ScotWind portfolio.

The partnership is also preparing for the upcoming Crown Estate seabed auction in the Celtic Sea, with the potential for a further 1.5 GW of floating wind through its Petroc and Llywellyn projects off the southwest coast of England and Wales.

Gillian Martin MSP, and Minister for Energy & the Environment officially opened the new office in the Capital’s west end, which will initially accommodate the Partnership’s 45 strong team, and symbolises the remarkable progress achieved since its formation two years ago.

Addressing key stakeholders and employees at the event, Gillian Martin MSP said, “Scotland is uniquely placed to play a leading role in the renewables revolution, and the support and collaboration of companies such as BlueFloat and Renantis will be key in supporting Scotland’s net zero ambitions, while helping to secure a fair and just energy transition.

“The opening of this office is an important milestone in the partnership between BlueFloat and Renantis. I look forward to following the partnership as it scales up and develops its exciting ScotWind projects – Broadshore and Bellrock – as well as the INTOG projects – Sinclair and Scaraben – which will both play an important role in realising our enormous offshore wind potential.”

Susie Lind, Managing Director of the BlueFloat Energy & Renantis Partnership, thanked the Energy Minister for honouring the occasion. She said, “This is a momentous day for our Partnership, and illustrates our commitment to advance our shared vision to deliver best-in-class floating offshore wind farms in the UK.

“Our new Edinburgh office will be the hub from which we develop our UK pipeline of floating offshore wind farms, and through our diverse team of specialists, we are integrating cutting-edge technology with a plan to cultivate a robust Scottish workforce and stimulate local supply chain growth.

“Today’s event underlines our dedication to playing a leading role in Scotland’s energy transition, with the goal of making a positive impact on our people and communities.”

Carlos Martin, CEO BlueFloat Energy said, “We are incredibly proud to be part of this joint venture, contributing our global expertise in floating offshore wind and pioneering new technology to accelerate Scotland’s offshore wind sector. We believe in the power of collaboration and look forward to creating a sustainable energy future together.

“Establishing our new office in Edinburgh marks a major and exciting milestone for our partnership, bringing us significantly closer to turning our vision of world-leading, large-scale floating offshore projects into reality.”

Carmelo Scalone, Chief Growth Officer, Renantis said, “Scotland’s potential for floating offshore wind aligns perfectly with our vision to build a better future for all and, through our Partnership, we aim to contribute with Renantis’ long-standing experience of working with communities across Scotland.

“This really is the energy transition in action and it’s great to see Scotland once again drawing on its rich heritage of innovation and engineering influence on the world.”

FM joins world leaders at COP28

Official opening of the Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

First Minister Humza Yousaf has joined global leaders to set out Scotland’s ambitions and objectives for COP28 as the climate conference opened in Dubai yesterday.

His first engagement was the official opening of the new Heriot-Watt Dubai Campus with His Majesty King Charles III, showcasing Scotland’s influential higher education sector. The First Minister said the campus helped showcase the leading role Scotland is playing in finding solutions for the biggest challenges facing the planet.

The First Minister also opened the Scottish Government-supported Multi-Level Action and Urbanisation Pavilion, and met with Global South partners and youth activists to discuss priorities for COP28.

The First Minister later joined senior business and trade leaders, Scottish university representatives, and representatives of the Global Scots network at a St Andrew’s Day reception, with industry-leading Chef Adam Tracey showcasing the best of Scotland’s food and drink.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am proud of Scotland’s leadership in advocating for climate justice and progressing a just transition to net zero, so it is fitting the official opening of Heriot-Watt University Campus in Dubai takes place on the first day of the world’s largest global climate conference.

“This new campus will play a leading role in demonstrating the skills and ideas we have in Scotland to help find solutions for the biggest challenges facing the planet.

“The ambitions, enthusiasm and dedication of young people around the world are crucial in tackling climate change and advocating for climate action.

“Globally we need to harness this energy and ensure we are using our collective talent, innovation, and enthusiasm to contribute to finding the solutions that will deliver a net zero future.

“The Scottish Government will continue to call for loss and damage funding that prioritises the needs of vulnerable communities and take a lead on addressing the biodiversity and the climate crisis. I am confident these shared ambitions will be keenly felt by those who attend this vital climate summit, and at home.”

First Minister attends COP28

‘Planet is at a tipping point – radical action is needed’ – HUMZAH YOUSAF

First Minister Humza Yousaf will urge world leaders to show ambition, work together and demonstrate radical action to tackle the global climate crisis at COP28.

Arriving in the United Arab Emirates for the global climate conference, the First Minister said Scotland will continue to call for loss and damage funding that prioritises the needs of vulnerable communities and take a lead on addressing the biodiversity and the climate crisis.

During COP28, the First Minister will hold bilateral meetings with international leaders and Global South partners to hear firsthand their experiences and priorities for global action, engage with businesses and organisations, launch the Scottish net zero business programme to tackle the climate crisis and speak at events to showcase how Scotland is taking innovative action to support the drive to a just transition.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi McAllan will also attend part of the Conference, with a programme focused on showcasing the progress Scotland is making to deliver a just transition to next zero and continuing work to build renewables and hydrogen industries. She will meet with youth and gender organisations from the Global South.

The First Minister said: “Our planet is at a tipping point, radical and ambitious action is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The gathering of the global community at COP28 is pivotally important in the fight against climate change.

“Only by working together can we meet the need and urgency of the task that lies ahead.

“Scotland has demonstrated that we can lead the way on taking tangible steps, however collective action is needed to tackle the climate emergency and address the devastating effects of climate change, in particular loss and damage. We simply do not have time to work alone when it comes to our just transition to net-zero.

“During the next two weeks, the Scottish Government looks forward to sharing our net-zero progress, showcasing our strides in sustainability and engaging in meaningful dialogue on climate action.

“COP28 also allows the Scottish Government to advance international relations and build partnerships. Scottish companies will be attending to enhance Scotland’s global reputation, particularly on renewable energy. It’s also an opportunity to attract investment in strategic net zero sectors in Scotland.”

Further engagements and bilateral meetings will be confirmed during the visit.

Communities Reduce Re-use & Recycle: Zero Waste Final Event

JOIN us in celebrating our Sewing Club’s Zero Waste Competition on Monday, 4th December!

The event will take place at Granton Parish Church and will include a presentation along with the announcement of the results and delivery of prizes and certificates

Address: 55 Boswall Pkwy, Edinburgh EH5 2DA

Program:

1:30 pm: Doors open

2:30 pm: Participants present their projects

3:30 pm: Results, prizes, and certificate delivery

4:30 pm: End of the event

Light refreshments will be provided

Please register now to secure your place: https://www.meetup.com/edinburgh-sewing…/events/297633683/

For more information please email: c3r@elrec.org.uk

#zerowaste #edinburgh #sewingclub

Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC)

‘Ambitious step change’ outlined for greener and warmer buildings in Scotland

Proposals to replace fossil fuel heating with clean heating and improve energy efficiency

Clean heating systems will replace polluting heating systems in Scotland’s homes and buildings by 2045 under proposals published yesterday.

Under legislation to be introduced in 2025 which will start taking effect later in the decade, those buying new homes or buildings would be asked to move to a “clean” heating system, such as a heat pump or connection to a heat network, within a fixed period of time following that purchase.

Of the UK nations, Scotland continues to have the most generous funding package of grants and loans available to households who are seeking to switch to clean heating systems.

Minimum energy efficiency standards for Scotland’s homes could also be introduced to make them warmer and less expensive to heat.

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Heat from our homes and buildings represents around 20% of Scotland’s carbon emissions.

“So there is no route to meeting our legal duty to be a net zero country by 2045 without making the heat transition. Making this transition can also liberate households and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.

“There will be no ‘one size fits all’ approach to what we’re proposing – we recognise that different types of buildings in different areas need different solutions – but today we are giving certainty to households to plan and clarity for businesses to invest, with a pathway which recognises the cost pressures that so many of us are currently facing.

“We’ve already passed regulations for new buildings, to apply from next year. If Parliament passes our Bill in 2025, then regulations will start to apply from 2028, with many more buildings moving away from fossil fuel through the 2030s. That will see Scotland on by far the most ambitious path within the UK, with a deployment of clean heating systems at a scale and pace very much faster than at present.

“The UK Government has the opportunity to match our ambition by using its reserved powers to take urgent action to reduce the price gap between gas and electricity, and by regulating energy companies to play their full part in this transition.”

The consultation also includes measures to encourage the development of heat networks – giving those constructing these vital systems the confidence they need to invest on the basis that there will be sufficient demand.

The proposals follow this year’s introduction of a new build heat standard which means that any buildings constructed under a new warrant from April 2024 must have a clean heating system.

The Scottish Government is asking for views on proposals to form part of a Heat in Buildings Bill as set out in the Programme for Government.

Proposals include:

That private rented homes will be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard no later than 2028;
That owner-occupied homes will be required to meet the same minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2033;
That all homes and non-domestic buildings will be required to end their use of polluting heating by the end of 2045; and
In order to create a smooth trajectory towards 2045, that those purchasing a home or non-domestic property before 2045 would be required to end their use of polluting heating systems within a specific period following that purchase.

Also published today are proposals for a new Social Housing Net Zero Standard that would require social landlords to meet an energy efficiency standard between 2033 and 2040 and install clean heating across their stock by 2045 where it is technically feasible and cost-effective to do so.

Consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill

Social Housing Net Zero consultation

Protesters call for action on one year anniversary of Edinburgh councillors voting for divestment

Campaigners staged a protest outside Edinburgh City Chambers on Friday (24 November) to call on the Lothian Pension Fund to divest from fossil fuels. The protest marked one year since Edinburgh City Council voted in favour of divestment, but the fund has still not enacted the request.

Lothian Pension Fund has at least £350 million invested in the fossil fuel industry, according to new analysis by Platform and Friends of the Earth Scotland. This is a significant increase from the £229 million investment it held when the research was last conducted in October 2021.

Lothian Pension Fund is the second biggest fossil fuel investor of all the council pension funds in Scotland. It invests in some of the world’s biggest climate polluters, including Exxon Mobil, Shell, Equinor, TotalEnergies and BP.

With virtually all oil and gas companies set to expand their operations, campaigners are calling on the Lothian Pension Fund to listen to councillors and stop funding fossil fuels.

The protest highlighted the role French oil giant TotalEnergies – that Lothian Pensions have investments worth £19 million in – is playing in worsening the climate crisis and threatening human rights.

TotalEnergies is currently developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, stretching 1444 km across Uganda and Tanzania. Building this pipeline is displacing communities and destroying livelihoods in Africa in order to pump oil out of the continent to be consumed by people living in the global north.

John Hardy from Divest Lothian said: “It’s extremely disappointing that as the climate crisis worsens, the Lothian Pension Fund has failed to follow the democratic will of the council to divest from the fossil fuel companies that are driving climate breakdown.

“In particular, their investments in TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline harms our climate and puts local communities and important ecosystems at risk.

“The Lothian Pension Fund needs to listen to the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians and divest from all fossil fuel companies immediately. Our future is at stake, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.”

Sophie Burgess from Global Justice Edinburgh Youth Collective said: “We need to Stop EACOP for my future, the future of people in Uganda and Tanzania and the future of people globally.

“We cannot allow pensions to continue to fund fossil fuel giants like TotalEnergy, who are continuing to threaten all our futures with devastating projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.”

The Lothian Pension Fund administers the pension funds of almost 90,000 members from the four councils in the Lothians and 59 other employers, including Scottish Water, Edinburgh Napier University, VisitScotland and Heriot-Watt University.