Both the UK and Scottish Governments acknowledge that we are facing a global climate emergency and that significant and rapid action is needed to protect our planet for future generations. There is no doubt that climate change is one of the most profound global challenges we face. 

That is why the UK Government is taking major steps to reduce our contribution to climate change. We are the first major economy in the world to sign up to reducing our emissions to net zero by 2050, on the timescale recommended by the 2018 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We have also announced a phased roll out of fossil fueled cars, a target that 30% of our energy will come from offshore wind as well as a £2.5bn investment in low carbon technology in the next few years. 

It is important to note that tackling climate change does not mean abandoning economic growth or ending all investment in infrastructure. We can continue to do all those things which are necessary for jobs and the prosperity of our nation, but ensure that investment is as clean as possible offset by environmentally beneficial measures. I support these efforts and will continue to put pressure on the UK Government to take all the steps required to boost cleaner economic growth and to fulfill our pledge to reach net zero by 2050.

While there is a lot still to be done, the UK has led the global effort to tackle climate change. We were the first country to introduce legally binding long-term emissions targets under the landmark Climate Change Act in 2008. We were the first major economy to announce a new zero target and the UK has decarbonised and cut emissions by more than any other G7 nation. Importantly, we are also using our considerable diplomatic and worldwide standing to put pressure on other nations to follow suit, with a particular focus on the USA and China as well as through our international climate challenge fund (which has spent £5.8 billion to help developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change).