Now is the time to accelerate climate action
Scotland must ramp-up action over the climate crisis at unprecedented scale and pace and reset how to tackle the most difficult challenges head-on, say the Scottish Greens.
That includes urgent work to reduce emissions on transport, agriculture and industry, while accelerating efforts on greener, warmer homes, active travel and nature restoration.
Co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater told today’s packed Scottish Greens conference in Edinburgh that all political parties have a duty to deliver for future generations.
Mr Harvie said: “This is a pivotal moment in our climate journey. It requires a reset of climate policy from the Scottish Government, and with Scottish Greens in the room we have the chance to shape that.
“Scotland’s climate targets are important - but only an ambitious acceleration of action can make them meaningful. We need acceleration of action which goes beyond what has already been done before.
“We know that if we get this right, we’re not just ensuring our planet is habitable for future generations.
"We’re giving people here and now warmer homes that are cheaper to heat. We’re creating well paid, skilled and unionised jobs that will still be here for decades to come. We’re getting commuters out of the traffic jams and onto affordable and reliable public transport.
“We all benefit from climate action. And now is the time to accelerate it.”
Co-leader Lorna Slater also hit out at failures by UK parties at Westminster to play their part in tackling the global crisis.
She said it was more important than ever for Scottish Greens to give a voice to the climate at the General Election.
She said: “It is only with Scottish Greens in the room and on the ballot paper, that the voice of the climate movement will be heard in this crucial election. It is only the Scottish Greens who will be championing an economy that works for people and planet, which puts power in the hands of workers and a fair wage in everyone’s pocket.
“And it is only the Scottish Greens who will fight to ensure Scotland is granted the powers of an independent country, not for the sake of independence itself, but so we can rebuild a country based on fairness, equality, compassion and climate justice.”
