Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, referred to the significance of COP28 in achieving global efforts to address the implications and consequences of climate change.
Yousaf said in statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Conference, “We hosted COP26 in Glasgow two years ago, and we were the first government in the global North to confirm our commitment to funding the Loss and Damage Fund, and we called on the international community to commit to this fund.”
He added, “I’m very pleased that the opening day at COP28 here in Dubai, an agreement was reached for loss and damage funding,” wishing the UAE and COP28 Presidency all the best in their strenuous efforts.
He stressed the need to focus at the present time on how to mobilise the Fund with the participation of different countries of the world, saying, “My expectation is that the world not only commits to loss and damage, which we have seen, make sure that loss and damage fund is fair, so it doesn’t add to the debt burde
n that many countries in the Global South.”
He shed light on the significance of collective action in addressing the repercussions of climate change, adding, “We will not be able to meet the urgent needs and expected tasks without working and cooperating together; we do not have the time to work alone for a just transition to climate neutrality.”
The Scottish Minister stressed the need to take urgent measures to help the poorest countries, noting, “We are taking action to help the countries that are the poorest, that are suffering the biggest impacts of climate change.”
Yousaf valued the UAE’s many measures to address climate change, pointing to its pioneering efforts in the renewable energy sector through mega projects and large companies such as Masdar.
The Scottish Prime Minister said, “Through COP28, we look forward to sharing with others and learning about their progress towards climate neutrality, showcasing our achievements in sustainability, and communicating through effective dialogues and useful
discussions on climate action.”
He pointed out that Scottish companies leading in climate neutrality technologies are participating in the COP28 conference to enhance Scotland’s position on the global level, as it is a good opportunity to attract investment in the strategic sectors of climate neutrality, including the renewable energy sector.
Source: Emirates News Agency