Climate action must benefit all of Scotland, says First
Minister.
First Minister has vowed that he will take a
collaborative approach to tackling the climate and nature
emergency, and that the transition to net zero ‘will abandon no
community'.
Addressing key climate stakeholders at the Glasgow Botanic
Gardens, the First Minister said that despite the many examples
of government supported actions and projects that are
contributing to a more climate resilient Scotland, there is much
more to be done.
He also called once again on the UK Government to at least
match the Scottish Government's investment in securing a future
for the Grangemouth refinery.
The First Minister said:
“This transition will abandon no community. The importance of
safeguarding jobs and livelihoods has never been more stark than
in the immediacy of the situation at Grangemouth.
“If we are going to ensure a future for the site, opportunities
for its highly skilled workforce, investment is needed now. That
is why yesterday, I announced that the Scottish Government will
amend the 2025-26 Budget at this late stage to allocate an
additional £25 million for a Just Transition Fund for
Grangemouth.
“Today, I urge the UK Government to at least match our funding –
and to use the powers they have to go further. If this is a
Government for the United Kingdom, then Scotland should be
getting its fair share of UK-wide investments.”
The First Minister added:
“If we are to persuade people to back climate action
wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and
challenges – which there will be – but also demonstrate clear and
direct household and community benefits where these are possible.
Tangible benefits at home, in terms of more jobs, lower energy
bills, and new economic opportunities, delivering also tangible
benefits for the planet.
“My approach to Government has always been collaboration, which
is why I want this to be the start of an ongoing conversation,
with a focus on action, on delivery. I believe that we can only
make the progress, and map out the next necessary steps on our
climate journey, by bringing together local and central
Government, agencies, stakeholders, trade unions, community
organisations, and the wider public.”
Background
Climate action: First Minister's
speech - 19 February - gov.scot
