Tackling climate emergencies ‘at heart’ of government ambitions – Swinney

Tackling climate and nature emergencies “remains at the heart” of the Scottish Government’s ambitions, the First Minister has said.

Speaking ahead of Scotland’s Climate Week, which starts on Monday, John Swinney pledged action to strengthen Scotland’s energy security, accelerate the transition to net zero and help communities adapt to the impacts of a changing climate as laid out in his Programme for Government.

First Minister John Swinney said: “The extreme weather we have witnessed across Scotland and around the world this summer is a stark reminder that the climate and nature emergencies are not challenges for some distant future.

“They are here now, affecting our communities, our economy and our environment.

“At a time of global instability, we must also recognise that climate action and energy security go hand in hand.

“By investing in renewable energy here in Scotland, we can reduce emissions, strengthen our resilience, support good-quality jobs and ensure the benefits of the energy transition are felt in communities right across the country.

“That is why tackling the climate and nature emergencies remains at the heart of this government’s ambitions for Scotland.

“Through my Programme for Government, we are intensifying our efforts to accelerate the transition to net zero, protect and restore nature, build climate resilience and support people to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.”

Swinney’s comments come after the Scottish Government have announced a £5 million Community Flood Resilience Fund will start in 2027 as a key element of the additional £15m investment in flood prevention set out in the Programme for Government.

He continued: “We are making significant investments in the offshore wind supply chain and ports to help secure Scotland’s energy future, expanding support for warmer homes and cleaner heating, investing in greener and more affordable public transport, and strengthening our ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“That includes committing to a £15m package to invest in flood resilience, with support targeted where it is needed most and an additional £14m in a Coastal Change Adaption fund by the end of the Parliament.

“Following the scrapping of peak ScotRail fares, the national rollout of our £2 bus fare cap will help make public transport more affordable, while increasing community energy funding to £15m this year will enable more communities to benefit from lower energy bills, warmer buildings and locally generated renewable energy.

“Every one of us has a role to play.

“Whether it is choosing public transport, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency at home, looking after our environment or considering cleaner ways to travel and heat our homes, Climate Week is an opportunity for all of us to consider what more we can do.”