Ahead of COP28, the SNP has laid down a challenge to Westminster
to show bold action to tackle the global climate emergency.
The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference will convene
this week, where negotiations and debates will take place about
the progress made by members of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to combat climate
change.
In recent weeks Westminster has scrapped a raft of key policies
for tackling climate change which the Climate Change Committee
warned would leave a “substantial policy gap” that was putting
the UK off track to meet its crucial 2030 carbon
targets.
Having set the most ambitious legal framework for emissions
reductions in the world and been the first country in the world
to pledge loss and damage funding at COP26, the SNP has
challenged the Tory government to “follow the Scottish
Government’s leadership and step up to its moral
responsibilities."
Commenting the SNP's said:
“There are few more important challenges facing us all right now
than tackling climate change and leaving a safe world for the
generations to come.
“We can, and should, be proud that Scotland is playing its part -
whether it is being among the first nations to declare a climate
emergency, being the first country to pledge loss and damage
funding, investing in a Just Transition, or improving public
transport so people can make more sustainable choices.
“Scotland has so much to offer the world when it comes to
tackling the climate crisis but much of our progress is being
held back by Westminster’s arrogance and short sightedness.
“Rishi Sunak's recent irresponsible and nonsensical back tracking
on his government's already timid actions are as dangerous as
they are embarrassing - and, as countries come together at COP28
this week, I suspect the Tories will be left in absolutely no
doubt about the damaging impact of their actions.
“People need bold, committed and informed leadership to allow us
to properly play our part in addressing the climate crisis. The
SNP will continue to do what we can with the powers at our
disposal but ultimately, it is only with the full powers of
independence we can truly be at the heart of delivering the
greener future we all deserve."
