John Swinney vows more investment in offshore renewables ahead of 'climate week'
The first minister said ‘every one of us has a role to play’ when responding to the changing climate
John Swinney has pledged to step up Scotland’s response to climate change, promising greater investment in renewable energy, warmer homes and measures to help communities cope.
The first minister said the extreme weather seen in the UK and elsewhere this summer was a reminder that the changing climate was already affecting people, communities and the natural world.
Speaking ahead of Scotland’s Climate Week this week, the SNP leader said tackling climate change and protecting nature had to go hand in hand, while arguing that the transition to renewable energy was also increasingly important for Scotland’s energy security.
“At a time of global instability, we must also recognise that climate action and energy security go hand in hand,” he said.
The Scottish government is investing heavily in offshore wind, ports and the renewable energy supply chain as it seeks to accelerate the move away from fossil fuels.
The expansion of offshore wind has also exposed a growing tension at the heart of the government’s climate and nature policies.
Campaigners have warned the scale of some developments could be devastating for the country’s wildlife. Tension is particularly acute around the proposed Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, one of Europe’s largest planned renewable energy projects.
The 4.1GW development, off the coast of East Lothian and Fife, was granted consent by the Scottish government last year, subject to conditions including measures to compensate for impacts on seabirds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), however, has opposed the project, warning of the potential consequences for internationally important seabird populations.
The charity has said it supports offshore wind as part of the transition away from fossil fuels, but argues that projects should be located and designed in ways that minimise their impact on vulnerable species. It has raised particular concerns about the effects of Berwick Bank on gannets, kittiwakes, puffins, guillemots and razorbills.
The Scottish government, however, said the country needs to expand renewable generation rapidly if it is to meet its climate targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Mr Swinney said the government would continue to invest in renewable energy while also strengthening efforts to protect and restore nature.
Its programme includes £15m for flood resilience and a further £14m for coastal change adaptation by the end of the parliamentary term. Community energy funding is also being increased to £15m this year, with ministers arguing that locally generated renewable power can help reduce energy bills and make homes more efficient. Ministers also pointed to the scrapping of peak ScotRail fares and the planned nationwide rollout of a £2 bus fare cap as part of efforts to encourage more people to use public transport in the wider effort.
Mr Swinney said tackling the climate and nature emergencies could not be left to government alone.
“Every one of us has a role to play,” he said, urging people to consider how they travel, heat their homes, use energy and reduce waste.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.