Salmond & Arnie to discuss Climate Change

Alex Salmond will speak alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger at the climate change summit in Copenhagen, where he''ll also sign a joint-statement to help the Maldives achieve carbon neutral status.

This once again underlines how Scotland, and the Scottish Government, is leading the world in targeting climate change.

Speaking as he gave a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh the First Minister said:

Scotland will be well-represented at many of the key events.

"Obviously it would be preferable, and I make no secret of this, if we were represented directly in the international negotiating tables.

"It is a perfect example of why, in my view, that is the best position for Scotland.

"But just because we are not in the best position at present should not prevent us establishing a good position in enhancing Scotland's international profile."

As progress toward a deal at the Copenhagen summit continues the SNP welcomed commitments from the EU to support developing nations tackle climate change but said the SNP has been on the front foot.
 
SNP candidates during the last European election – which saw an impressive victory for the party – all signed a pledge to work towards the ambitious NIDOS development targets.

 Commenting, Mr Smith said:
 
“As the world’s biggest provider of development aid, the EU supports poorer nations across the world and any effort to support this work is welcome. 
 
“The Scottish Government has already doubled Scotland's international aid budget and is building strong links with Malawi and other Sub-Saharan nations.
 
“Small and medium sized European countries are leading the world in international development and have an important role in assuming international responsibility for decreasing poverty.
 
"This is exactly why Scotland should have a place round the table at the Copenhagen."