01 November 2021
Press Release
For immediate release
Office: 0131 659 9100
Out of hours: 07771 818677
Email: mcarter@wwfscotland.org.uk
Scotland to play key role in achieving 1.5C
+ First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, and Cabinet Secretary, Michael Matheson, to speak at WWF event
The important role states and regions, including Scotland, have to play in tackling the climate crisis will be highlighted today (Monday 1 November) as the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon and Cabinet Secretary, Michael Matheson, take part in a WWF event at COP26. [1]
They will be joined at the ‘Panda Pavilion’ inside the COP26 Blue Zone by Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Leader of WWF’s global Climate and Energy Practice and former COP President.
As world leaders gather, the speakers will discuss the role that states and regions can play in achieving 1.5C. Highlighting the crucial role of non-party actors and showcasing the ambition shown by the Scottish Government and others. They will call for a strong role for states and regions as a key legacy of COP26.
Speaking ahead of the event, Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland said:
“In the run up to COP26 there has quite rightly been a focus on the role of the big nations and world leaders. However, put simply, the world cannot solve the climate crisis without action by states, cities, and regions globally. We’re therefore delighted that Nicola Sturgeon and Michael Matheson are joining us to discuss such an important topic.
“Scotland has a really compelling story to tell on climate ambition and action which can help inspire others - we were one of the first nations in the world to set climate targets back in 2009, and we have transformed out electricity sector, with almost 100% of our electricity needs now coming from renewables. There’s also much Scotland can learn from others to us help tackle areas where progress has been slower, such as on transport and agriculture.
“That’s why it’s really important the Scottish Government continues to work closely with other nations, states, and regions around the world on climate action, and demonstrates what is possible.”
Notes to Editors:
[1] During COP26, WWF Scotland is hosting a number of events in the Panda hub, Pavilion 54, Hall 4, Blue Zone. You can also join online
Monday 1 November: 11.10am – 11.45am
Welcome to the party: the role of states & regions in achieving 1.5C
Participants:
First Minister of Scotland - Nicola Sturgeon
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport - Michael Matheson
Leader of WWF’s global Climate and Energy Practice and a former COP President - Manuel Pulgar-Vidal
The panel will discuss the role that states and regions can play in achieving 1.5C. Highlighting the crucial role of non-party actors and showcasing the ambition shown by the Scottish Government and others. It will call for a strong role for states and regions as a key legacy of COP26.
To join remotely use this link https://youtu.be/lpBpQ3NiSTs
[2] The Scottish Government is part of the Under 2 Coalition
https://www.theclimategroup.org/under2-coalition
[3] For more information on WWF events at COP26 and media resources