Local Dumfries and Galloway MSP Colin Smyth, recently welcomed climate change campaigners from across the South Scotland to the Scottish Parliament as part of a mass lobby of Parliament organised by Stop Climate Chaos.
The local MSP met with the group to discuss their concerns prior to the draft publication of a climate action plan which is due to be released by Scottish Government by the end of the year. During their meeting, the campaigners asked Colin Smyth to urge Government Ministers to commit to improving the energy efficiency of Scottish homes and buildings; increase investment in Scotland’s renewable energy sector and in low carbon transport and to cut greenhouse gas emissions from food.
The group from Stop Climate Chaos are seeking to ensure that the Scottish Government meets its target to reduce emissions by 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Following the meeting, Colin Smyth commented, “It was fantastic to welcome campaigners from Dumfries and Galloway and across South Scotland to Parliament to discuss the vital issue of climate change. The level of interest shows what an important issue this is to many people in the area. The publication of the draft climate action plan presents a real opportunity for the Scottish Government to commit to meaningful action which will help reduce the impact of climate change both now and for future generations.
My meeting with the group was constructive and I plan to raise with Government Ministers the points that they would like to see included in the draft climate action plan when it is published later this year. I sincerely hope that the Government will take their concerns on board when the final draft is published and make bold commitments to tackle this issue.”
