Shifting away from fossil fuel reliance will help meet energy security targets, Scotland’s Environment Minister has said ahead of her COP27 appearance.
Mairi McAllan will have her first full day of meetings and engagements at the climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh on Tuesday.
The Scottish Government minister is set to bring Scotland’s experience of working to deliver a just transition to renewable energy.
It is hoped the discussions will help other countries in their shift towards greener energy, McAllan said.
During Energy Day, she will take part in various events to promote Scotland’s hydrogen sector, hold bilateral talks with other government ministers and meet members of the Under 2 Coalition – a group of state, regions and devolved governments collaborating to drive climate action.
Speaking ahead of her visit, McAllan said: “While some, including the UK Government, seek to increase their extraction of fossil fuels amidst rising energy prices, we remain committed to a focus on policies that promote renewable energy and emerging green technologies, including the development of green hydrogen.
“Energy security that focuses on sustainability, with measures to promote energy efficiency, and to accelerate the development of renewable and low carbon energy, is a far better answer to the energy crisis than increasing reliance on fossil fuels.
“For example, wind power is already the cheapest form of power in Scotland’s energy mix.”
The Scottish Government will also support meetings and events on decarbonisation of transport and the role of nature and biodiversity, including forestry and peatlands, in tackling the climate emergency.
Following a £5m commitment to address loss and damage caused by climate change, ministers will continue to support countries and organisations affected.
McAllan added: “As a country with a large, existing oil and gas sector, we can bring to COP27 our experience of work to deliver a just transition to net zero – a transition that puts people and communities first and harnesses the full range of opportunities that come with it.”
She added that the Scottish Government will continue to support the global south who are disproportionately affected by climate issues.
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