Scotland re-elected for leadership role in global climate network
The Under2 Coalition is a network of subnational governments.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Swinney has said that Scotland has “big ambitions” on climate change after the country was chosen for the third time to help lead a global climate action network.
The Under2 Coalition is the largest network of subnational governments committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Scotland’s First Minister Mr Swinney will hold the role of European Co-Chair on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Speaking at the start of Scotland’s Climate Week, which runs from September 23 to 29, Mr Swinney said that this is a “decisive decade” for climate change.
He said: “Scotland may be a small country, but we have big ambitions when it comes to climate change.
“I am proud that we have been re-elected as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition for a third term – reflecting the important role of states and regions, like Scotland, in driving global climate action.
“The Scottish Government is already taking forward a range of policy actions to help us reach our target date for net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
“These include accelerating our renewable energy generation ambitions, and reducing emissions from our homes and buildings through clean heat and improved energy efficiency.
“But we know Scotland will not reach net zero without public support. That’s why this Climate Week, the campaign will be focused on ‘Stories for Change’ – demonstrating how taking climate action is not only good for our planet, but for us, too.
“This is a decisive decade for climate change. All of us have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make changes – however big or small – that will be good for our people, our communities, our economy and our planet.”
The Scottish Government said the work with the Under2 Coalition helps build on its existing collaborative relationships as part of a wide range of international engagement, including the Clean Heat Forum – which provides an opportunity for governments, non-governmental organisations and industry to align ambitions on decarbonising heat, and buildings.
The Under2 Coalition is led by a group of co-chairs and supported by a Steering Group to ensure the coalition is diverse and globally representative, its website states.