In a speech at COP27, Scotland’s Environment Minister has confirmed that the nation will use its experience in the energy sector to deliver a just transition to renewable and cleaner, greener energy.
With today being Energy Day at COP27, the Scottish Government has confirmed that the minister is to take part in numerous events that will aim to promote the hydrogen sector in Scotland, as well as holding bilateral talks with other government ministers.
This follows after the Environment Minister said that it is more effective to focus on energy security that ensures sustainability, energy efficiency and renewable and low carbon energy, rather than increasing reliance on fossil fuels. This argument is also a key part of the current issues that many nations are having as their reliance on energy has been seriously affected by current global events.
Màiri McAllan, Scottish Environment Minister, said:
“The Scottish Government is clear that the unlimited recovery of hydrocarbons is not consistent with meeting the aims of the Paris Agreement. While some, including the UK Government, seek to increase their extraction of fossil fuels amidst rising energy prices, we remain committed to a focus on policies that promote renewable energy and emerging green technologies, including the development of green hydrogen.
“Energy security that focuses on sustainability, with measures to promote energy efficiency, and to accelerate the development of renewable and low carbon energy, is a far better answer to the energy crisis, than increasing reliance on fossil fuels. For example, wind power is already the cheapest form of power in Scotland’s energy mix.
“As a country with a large, existing oil and gas sector, we can bring to COP27 our experience of work to deliver a just transition to net zero – a transition that puts people and communities first and harnesses the full range of opportunities that come with it.
“That transition is exemplified by Scotland’s offshore wind industry, with ScotWind representing the world’s largest commercial round for floating offshore wind – breaking new ground in putting large-scale floating wind technology on the map at Gigawatt scale. ScotWind promises to be transformational in delivering wider economic supply chain benefits to help power Scotland’s green recovery in communities across the country, with developers committed to invest more than £28 billion in the domestic supply chain across all projects.
“Over the next few days we will also continue to support those, particularly from the global south, campaigning for climate justice and an agreement at this COP on action to address loss and damage.
“After 30 years, loss and damage has finally become a key issue at this COP and we have seen induvial countries build on Scotland’s original announcement of £2 million with over $300 million of pledges, however we must also see a commitment across the parties at COP to take early action now, while developing a process for the long term. With a further £5 million of funding pledged by the First Minister last week, Scotland will continue to stand with those pushing for action.”
The Scottish Government is also supporting meetings and events on transport decarbonisation, as well as the role of nature and biodiversity in this matter – including forestry and peatlands – when it comes to tackling the current climate crisis. Support will be offered to countries and organisations as they address the loss and damage caused by climate change, which is now one of the central issues at the COP27 event. This comes after the government has committed to a further £5 million worth of funding.
