Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin is heading to New York for Climate Week NYC.
This event gathers leaders, businesses, and communities to tackle climate change and share sustainable ideas. Scotland plays a key role here, holding positions like President of Regions4 and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition. Ms. Martin will meet with representatives to boost the influence of local and regional governments in global climate talks.
Her visit isn’t just about meetings. It’s an opportunity to exchange insights on reducing emissions and discussing the need for a fair transition to renewable energy sources. It’s all about building resilience against climate impacts and making meaningful changes across Scotland.
Before her trip, Martin highlighted an important issue: “No community is safe from climate change’s effects, but the impact isn’t equal. The poorest and most vulnerable are hit the hardest.” This remark emphasizes the need for global climate justice.
Martin is enthusiastic about Scotland’s chance to lead conversations on climate finance and advocate for vulnerable groups globally, especially women and young people. “We need to amplify their voices,” she said, expressing the hope to strengthen the role of regional governance in international climate discussions.
On Monday, September 22, she will speak at the Under2 Global Ministerial Session. Following that, she will meet with network members on September 23 to discuss preparations for COP30 (the 30th Conference of the Parties). Finally, on September 24, the Scottish Government will co-host a livestreamed launch of a case study on the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, collaborating with ICLEI and Climate View.
This gathering is significant, especially as 2023 has seen extreme weather events around the world. According to a recent report from the World Meteorological Organization, climate-related disasters displaced over 25 million people last year alone. These numbers highlight the urgency of Martin’s work in New York.
While Climate Week NYC is a platform for discussion, social media is buzzing with debates on climate action. Hashtags like #ClimateJustice and #Decarbonize now trend regularly, showcasing public engagement and demand for action. As Ms. Martin represents Scotland, the world watches closely, reminding us all how interconnected our futures are in the face of climate change.
