SNP conference to open with climate call

The 2009 SNP Annual Conference will open with a call for other countries to follow Scotland’s lead and agree to ambitious plans to combat climate change at Copenhagen.

The Scottish Government’s Climate Change legislation is considered by international environmental organisations to be world leading, setting a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020.

The UK Government, who have set a lesser target of 34%, continue to refuse to allow a Scottish Minister to join the UK delegation in Copenhagen. Conference will open with a resolution calling on the UK Government and other industrialised nations to follow Scotland’s example.

SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

"Scotland has led the way in legislation to tackle climate change. Our bill is world leading and it is achievable but there must be an international agreement that ambitious targets must be set.

"It is ridiculous that despite the example Scotland has set to the world the UK Government refuses to allow a Scottish Minister to join the delegation to explain to the rest of the world why they must show the same ambition we have.

"SNP Conference is meeting in Inverness. Around the Highlands we have one of the main tools for tackling climate change – our clear green renewable energy. The wave, tidal and offshore wind resources in Scotland are second to none.

"Climate Change must be tackled. The developing world is already feeling the impact of climate change and we have a responsibility to take action.

"Copenhagen is the world’s chance to make the right decision. Scotland has made the right decision on climate change. We have got what it takes to tackle climate change if we work hard and invest in our green energy future. It is time for the rest of the world to follow suit."

Later in the week the Conference will also debate the economic potential of tackling climate change with a call for the Scottish Government to investigate and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology and the viability of wind-hydrogen.

SNP MSP Rob Gibson commented:

"A hydrogen economy could bring significant benefits to Scotland. "The prospect of a ‘Hydrogen Corridor’ between Aberdeen and Inverness is an exciting first for Scotland and the UK. The creation of an infrastructure to refuel road vehicles with hydrogen means that there will be a realistic alternative to petrol and diesel.

"We have pioneered the hydrogen car through projects like Pure on Unst it is now time for Scotland to go further."