The first minister will address the United Nations climate conference COP23 in Germany next week
FIRST MINISTER NICOLA STURGEON will address COP23, the United Nations conference on climate change, on 15 November in Bonn, Germany.
Following an invitation from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretary Patricia Espinosa, which the Scottish Government described as “unprecedented”, Sturgeon will speak at a High Level Plenary session of COP23 at the closing event of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, a UNFCCC-initiated group working towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Speaking on behalf of states, regions and devolved governments from around the world, Sturgeon will be joined by UNFCCC Secretary Espinosa. As well as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Fijian Prime Minister and COP23 President Bainimarama and the Mayor Bonn, Ashok-Alexander Sridharan.
“Scotland is absolutely committed to tackling climate change and our targets are the most ambitious in the UK.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Speaking ahead of her speech, Sturgeon said: “Scotland is absolutely committed to tackling climate change and our targets are the most ambitious in the UK.
“But it is not enough to just focus on domestic targets. That is why Scotland is also active in tackling climate change at a global level. We are signatories to the Under2 Coalition to reduce worldwide carbon emissions and are party to the Marrakech Partnership.
“International summits like COP23 are vital to tackle climate change and it is an honour to be asked to speak on behalf of the states, regions and devolved governments in the Partnership.”
“I look forward to welcoming the first minister here next week under the conference’s motto – Further, Faster, Together.” UNFCCC Secretary Patricia Espinosa
UNFCCC Secretary Espinosa also commented: “Bonn 2017 needs to be the launch-pad towards the next, higher level of ambition needed to get the world on track to achieve the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
“I look forward to welcoming the first minister here next week under the conference’s motto – Further, Faster, Together.”
“The upcoming Climate Change Bill presents a crucial opportunity to renew our climate leadership.” WWF Scotland Acting Director Dr Sam Gardner
Responding to news of Sturgeon’s upcoming appearance at COP23, Acting Director of WWF Scotland Dr Sam Gardner commented: “Scotland has a fantastic climate story to share, and it’s great that it’s being heard on a world stage.
“We can be proud of the word leading climate legislation unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2009 and the recent commitments in the Programme for Government.
READ MORE: Campaign group urges Scottish Government to do more on climate change
“The upcoming Climate Change Bill presents a crucial opportunity to renew our climate leadership. By setting a target for cutting our greenhouse gas emissions by 100 per cent by 2050 and introducing bold new policies in transport, housing and agriculture we’ll be playing out part in helping realise the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“An ambitious Climate Change Bill will create jobs, improve health and reduce poverty at home, whilst also ensuring Scotland plays its part in helping the poorest people in the world cope with the effects of climate change.”
Picture courtesy of Joe Brusky
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