As ministers and MSPs return to the parliament this week, a coalition of all Scotland’s major environmental organisations have set them a challenge: Take a lead on the environment now, or soon Scotland will not be able to cope with climate change, or reverse the trends of loss of wildlife and the exhaustion of Scotland’s resources. In their report ‘Scotland 2011: Scottish Environment LINK’s Challenge to the New Scottish Government’, which was delivered to ministers and MSPs today, the 34 organisations behind the challenge set out their vision for a sustainable future for Scotland and provide solutions for how to get there.
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Green Challenges to a New Government
September 3rd, 2007 by ie-adminScottish Marine Bill welcomed, Now Action Needed to Match Rhetoric
June 19th, 2007 by ie-adminScotland’s leading environment groups today welcomed the announcement by Environment Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead that the new Scottish government intends to introduce a Scottish Marine Bill. Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Environment LINK Marine Task Force, convenor Calum Duncan, said “We are delighted that the new government recognises Scotland’s seas are in a guddle and need urgent attention. A Scottish Marine Bill must urgently deliver effective planning and protection for our coasts and seas, linking closely to the UK Marine Bill.”
Caring for our environment is caring for Scotland – say Scottish Environment LINK Members to candidate MSPs ahead of 2016 elections
April 3rd, 2007 by ie-admin13 April 2016 – “From the land reform debate to vital questions about health, energy policy, sustainable jobs, and the future of Scotland’s magnificent landscape and wildlife, environmental matters are at the very heart of Scottish political debate, as we approach the Holyrood elections in May”, said Scottish Environment LINK President Joyce McMillan opening LINK’s “Environment Matters” hustings on 13 April.
The event offered a chance for each of the five main parties in the Scottish Parliament to debate their 2016 manifestos with an audience that cares passionately about our environmental future, and about the potential for good policy in this area to enhance all our lives. At the end, Joyce summarised discussions noting there was a lot of consensus on where we need to be by 2030 or 2050 but what is lacking is a common agreement on how we can get there. “The conversation is likely to be heated at times, but we can be sure that it’ll also throw light on some of the most fundamental issues facing the Scottish Parliament over the next five years – and beyond”, added Joyce.
LINK Chair Helen Todd commented: “People and the environment are inextricably linked. To create a flourishing Scotland where people can prosper we need to take good care of our environment. The six asks included in our LINK manifesto provide a solid basis for doing so. We urge Scottish political parties to take forward our manifesto proposals and call on voters to support our efforts for creating a better environment.”
“We sincerely hope that the next government and parliament will work on the basis that our environment is just as important as other policy areas and we look forward to engaging in a meaningful and regular way with our government, MSPs and other stakeholders. In this respect, LINK will be seeking an early meeting with the next Environment Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment”, added Helen.
In providing their views on what needs to happen in the next term to put Scotland on a more sustainable path candidate MSPs highlighted:
“Our environment is the only place we have to live so we need to take care of it. We have been good on the technical side, on targets for emissions and renewables. We now need to focus on developing sustainable food systems and farming”, said Heather Anderson, SNP List Candidate for South of Scotland.
“For Scottish Labour the next Scottish Parliament needs to deliver on both Environmental and Social Justice. We need a Warm Homes Act which will help tackle fuel poverty, a big expansion in the number of community and cooperative and community renewables schemes. We also need to see investment in green infrastructure, whether its public transport and active travel or affordable housing which will enable people to make low carbon lifestyle choices and business decisions. We’re the only party with fairer tax and investment policies at this election to make that happen”, noted Sarah Boyack, Scottish Labour Environmental Justice Spokesperson and Candidate MSP for Edinburgh Central.
“Scottish Conservatives support measures to decarbonise our economy and protect our environment. At this election we are putting forward a number of key asks: from making the case for new Scottish National Parks to investing in £1billion in making Scotland’s homes warm and reduce carbon emissions. Scottish Conservatives will support communities in safeguarding green space and community land and we will work to build a sustainable Scotland for all Scots to live, work and grow up”, said Miles Briggs, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Candidate MSP for Edinburgh Southern.
“With new powers coming to Holyrood we have the opportunity to protect and regenerate our environment and put wellbeing rather than pure economic growth at the heart of government, it will need a bolder greener Scottish Parliament to deliver this agenda in the next 5 years”, highlighted Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Green Party’s spokesperson for Rural affairs, Food and Environment and candidate MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Region.
“The Liberal Democrats are keen to put our future on a sustainable path and willing to work issue by issue with other parties to achieve this”, added Martin Veart Scottish Liberal Democrat Candidate for Edinburgh Northern and Leith.
Notes to editors:
- LINK Holyrood 2016 Manifesto: http://www.scotlink.org/public-documents/scottish-environment-link-urges-parties-to-put-sustainable-development-at-the-heart-of-holyrood-2016-elections/
- Environment Matters hustings event page: http://www.scotlink.org/holyrood-2016-elections-2/environment-matters-holyrood-2016-hustings/
- Wildlife Proclamation: http://www.scotlink.org/holyrood-2016-elections-2/the-wildlife-proclamation/
Download the press release here.
Contact details
Daphne Vlastari, LINK Advocacy officer: 0131 225 4345 or daphne@scotlink.org
Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 35 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.
LINK is a Scottish Charity (SC000296) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC250899). LINK is core funded by Membership Subscriptions and by grants from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Charitable Trusts.
Visit us at ukvps3.ie-dev.co.uk/scotlink-wordpress/ or follow us on @ScotLINK
UK Marine Bill Throws Down Gauntlet for Management of Scotland’s Seas.
March 29th, 2007 by ie-adminWelcoming the publication today of the long-awaited consultation paper on a UK Marine Bill, Scottish Environment LINK’s Marine Task Force said that it is now up to the Scottish Executive to show that we can deliver for Scotland’s seas. Task Force Convenor, Calum Duncan, said,
“This could be the biggest breakthrough for managing our seas in centuries. For years environment groups north and south of the border have campaigned for marine legislation to resolve the destructive ‘free-for-all’ that is failing both our seas and coastal livelihoods. This UK-wide consultation sets up a general framework for reserved activities. What we need now is a tailor-made Scottish Marine Act to deliver on the whole range of devolved marine issues, from conservation and marine protected areas to renewable energy, fisheries, pollution and aquaculture. A Scottish Marine Act could finally deliver the healthy, abundant seas supporting, for the long-term, many thousands of Scottish livelihoods, which is the objective of the Executive’s own marine and coastal strategy. ”
Call 999: an Emergency for Scotland’s Biodiversity
March 16th, 2007 by ie-admin5 April 2007: 1,000 days left to 2010, when the target to halt the loss of biodiversity expires. How is Scotland doing in terms of progress towards this target?
See also: The report Call 999: an Emergency for Scotland’s Biodiversity
New Wave of Measures Agreed for Scotland’s Seas
March 12th, 2007 by ie-adminMarine spatial planning, a new Marine Management Organisation and ways to protect species and habitats that are ‘Scottish specialities’ could revolutionise how we manage our seas and coasts. These recommendations from a group of marine experts, convened by the Scottish Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Ross Finnie, could greatly benefit people and wildlife says Scottish Environment LINK.
The Demise of Scottish Gin?
February 7th, 2007 by ie-adminPrize-giving proves tonic as Holyrood is alerted to the plight of the Juniper bush.
Plantlife Scotland, the national branch of the leading UK charity working to protect wild plants, launched a report on the stark decline of Juniper during Scottish Environment Week with a competition to win a bottle of gin – aromatic Juniper berries provide the flavouring for gin.
How old is the oldest Juniper recorded in Britain? Tony King, researcher for Scott Barrie MSP, knew that the answer to this Scottish Environment Week quiz is 255 years old.
Looking After your Environment is Good for your Health
February 5th, 2007 by ie-adminThe well-being of Scottish citizens will be the primary concern of participants in 2007’s Scottish Environment week that starts today in the Scottish Parliament. Investing in Scotland’s environment is good for your health – will be the message of the week…
Global Warming a Threat to Tourism in Scotland
February 1st, 2007 by ie-adminChanges in weather patterns due to global warming threaten the tourist economy in Scotland, a conference in Edinburgh will report. Climate change will be one of the key issues discussed by speakers at a conference on sustainable tourism on 1st February at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, to launch Scottish Environment week…
Vital Planning Vote: MSPs Urged not to Ignore Communities and the Environment
November 14th, 2006 by ie-adminMSPs have been warned not to push through planning reforms that could actually threaten the environment and erode public confidence in the system…