Government risks losing trust of young people on climate change – Greens

The Scottish Government is at risk of “losing the trust of a generation of young people” over climate change, the Scottish Greens have said.

The comments come after the Government refused to support or oppose the development of the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea this week in a vote brought by the Greens.

Speaking ahead of a climate march in Glasgow to coincide with others around the globe as world leaders meet for climate talks in Brazil, Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said ministers should reconsider their recently-published climate plan.

Described by the Greens as a “damp squib”, the plan outlined 150 actions as Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said the Government’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2045 was “unwavering”.

Ms Mackay said: “The climate crisis will be the defining environmental challenge for this generation and every generation that follows. We need bold action, but too many governments are in retreat.

“Unfortunately that includes Scotland, where the SNP has shelved targets but hasn’t replaced them with any meaningful action.

“The fact that they can’t even bring themselves to oppose a plan as destructive as Rosebank tells us everything we need to know.

“Only a few years ago Nicola Sturgeon was winning plaudits around the world for her ambitious targets and for taking a position against new oil and gas exploration, but that feels like a long time ago.

“Last week’s climate plan didn’t feel like it was written for a climate emergency. It was far too weak and only offered small steps when we needed big strides.

“Unless the SNP reconsider their approach they risk losing the trust of a generation of young people.

“We only have one planet and there are no second chances when it comes to the world around us. The consequences of inaction are grave, but, without radical change, that is where we are headed.

“There will be hundreds of young people taking to the streets today. This isn’t just about here and now, it is also about their future and those of generations to come.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “Our new, draft, climate change plan – which is currently out for public consultation – outlines a set of ambitious actions required up to 2040, so we can continue to reduce our emissions and meet our first, three, carbon budget targets.

“It also describes how we will ensure that the opportunities of net zero: for new jobs and economic growth; better infrastructure and energy security; cleaner heating; cleaner air; and improved public services; are seized and fairly distributed as part of a just transition.

“Raising awareness of climate action has never been so important, and we would encourage people to have a say on the proposed actions to help shape the final plan and inform future decision-making.”