Scottish Government to 'lead by example' in climate change fight

Scotland remains "determined to lead by example" in the fight against climate change, Holyrood's Environment Secretary said as she took part in international talks on how to tackle global warming.

Roseanna Cunningham is in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the latest round of UN climate change discussions.

While she said the UK's Brexit vote in June had thrown up "new complexities and difficulties" over European action to deal with the problem, she insisted the Scottish Government is determined to play a leading role.

The talks are focusing on how countries can implement the Paris Agreement, the world's first comprehensive treaty on climate change which came into force last week.

Scotland succeeded in cutting climate change emissions by 45.8% between 1990 and 2014, with the SNP administration meeting its target of a 42% cut six years ahead of schedule.

Ministers now plan to legislate to bring in a tougher emissions reduction target for 2020.

Ms Cunningham said: "Climate change is one of the defining issues of our age.

"It is a global problem which requires a global solution. International co-operation is vital and recent events haven't changed that reality.

"However, it's already clear the Brexit vote has created new complexities and difficulties, threatening our place in the European Union - a progressive, powerful and influential voice in these global talks.

"Our contribution to global climate change diplomacy is in jeopardy and our access to financial support programmes is at risk.

"Scotland continues to lead the UK, and most of Europe, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have exceeded our ambitious target for 2020 six years early.

"In Marrakesh, I will ensure Scotland's voice is heard and that our friends across Europe and beyond are left in no doubt that the Scottish Government remains determined to lead by example."

• Scottish News