A Green New Deal for Scotland
Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP will this week bring forward a debate calling on the Scottish Government to develop a Green New Deal policy for Scotland.
The Glasgow MSP will highlight the growing interest in Scotland and across the world in a Green New Deal, an agenda which requires the mobilisation of regulatory, fiscal and monetary powers to achieve a rapid and just transition to a zero carbon economy.
Last month the Greens brought forward a motion to declare a climate emergency, but this was voted down by every other party.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“Last month the Greens brought forward a vote calling on the Scottish Parliament to declare a climate emergency. This proposition was voted down by SNP, Tory, Labour and Lib Dem MSPs. The other parties cannot conceive of a positive vision for Scotland’s future after we leave the fossil fuel age behind.
“But, we quite simply cannot afford to continue with our over reliance on oil and gas. Climate science tells us there is just over a decade to act if we are to prevent climate breakdown, while the inspirational school climate strikers demand that we act urgently to secure their future.
“A Green New Deal for Scotland is a practical way to transform Scotland’s economy, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in clean, green industries and tackle the huge inequality that still exists within our communities.
“At the STUC conference last week the First Minister said such a deal would be a key mission for the new Scottish National Investment Bank.Those are welcome words, but they’re just not followed through in the Bill that sets the Bank up. The Scottish Government will be judged on its action.
“So far, Ministers have been reluctant to take the bold and urgent action that is required to tackle the climate crisis. I hope they’ll take the chance this week to back our plans and set in motion the process of creating a Green New Deal for Scotland.”