Scotland’s Climate Action Secretary, Gillian Martin, is set to advocate for stronger climate action at the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Brazil this month. With Scotland playing a key role as the Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, her presence aims to amplify the voices of regional and state governments in global climate discussions.
During the summit, Ms. Martin will:
- Share insights from the Climate Justice Fund. This includes discussing the often-ignored impacts of climate change, such as the loss of biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
- Participate in panels on climate justice and migration, collaborating with the International Organization for Migration and Brazil’s Ministry of Environment.
- Engage with youth activists and representatives from communities in the Global South, learning how climate change is affecting them directly.
Ms. Martin emphasizes the importance of these discussions: “We have a unique chance to advocate for vulnerable communities worldwide who face the harshest impacts of climate change. Scotland is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. This goal is ambitious yet doable.”
Recent statistics show that, globally, climate-related disasters have surged over the past few decades. The World Meteorological Organization reported that from 2010 to 2019, extreme weather events affected 1.2 billion people, showcasing the urgency of action. With this context, Scotland’s leadership at COP30 is more important than ever.
Line K. Christensen, Advocacy and Communications Manager at the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, states, “It’s crucial for Scotland to have a strong voice at COP30. Our values of innovation and climate justice must be integrated into the global conversation.”
As nations gather to tackle climate issues, Ms. Martin’s participation reinforces Scotland’s commitment to supporting nations on the front lines of the climate crisis, aligning with the global call for action on Loss and Damage due to climate impacts.
For more detailed insights on the impacts of climate change and effective global strategies, refer to the latest reports from the World Meteorological Organization.
