Commonwealth SG, Scotland on how to close the gaps on greenhouse emissions

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has urged world leaders attending the UN Climate Change Conference to address the urgency of climate change negotiations. In a recent interview, Scotland emphasized the critical need to close the gap in ongoing climate change talks, as millions of lives and livelihoods are at risk in climate-vulnerable countries. She highlighted the importance of taking immediate action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to ensure the survival of all countries, particularly small island developing states and nations in Africa. Scotland underscored the devastating impacts of climate change in regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, where extreme weather events have already caused significant economic losses and human suffering. With each degree of warming, the threat to vulnerable populations intensifies, making it imperative for all nations to work together to combat climate change. Scotland stressed the need for increased climate finance to support adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries, urging wealthier nations to fulfill their commitments to provide financial assistance. She called on negotiators at COP26 to prioritize filling the gap in climate finance to ensure effective emission reduction strategies are implemented. Scotland also highlighted the Commonwealth's initiatives to assist member states in accessing climate finance, such as the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and the Living Lands Charter. These programs aim to support countries in implementing sustainable development projects focused on land and water management, as well as energy transition. Scotland reaffirmed the Commonwealth's commitment to promoting a regenerative model of development and facilitating a just and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems in collaboration with member states. She emphasized the importance of innovation and technology in driving clean energy initiatives and encouraged African nations to participate in collective efforts to address energy challenges while protecting the environment. Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda next year, Scotland expressed optimism that climate change would be a key agenda item for discussion. She anticipated that member states would focus on trade, economic recovery, and climate action strategies to accelerate post-pandemic recovery and foster sustainable development. Scotland emphasized the importance of intra-Commonwealth trade and regional cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and economic growth. She highlighted the potential of initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the WTO trade facilitation agreement to stimulate economic progress and promote global trade. Scotland envisioned a collaborative and transformative Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where leaders would unite to address pressing challenges and chart a course towards a more resilient and prosperous future.