First Minister convenes conference to inform conversation at COP27.
International climate activists will gather in Edinburgh today (Tuesday, 11 October) to discuss ambitious, practical actions that can be taken to address loss and damage.
Founder of the Rise Up Movement Vanessa Nakate, UN Climate Action Champion from the UK Nigel Topping, and Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development Professor Saleemul Huq will be among those joining First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for a conference on loss and damage, hosted by the Scottish Government with the UN High level Champions and the Global Resilience Partnership.
They will discuss the urgency to increase finance support to address loss and damage happening now, and how COP27 can advance global action on loss and damage.
– Graeme
COP27, while being an important event, should not be the only time when action will be taken in order to tackle the consequences of loss and damage. The Global South is the most affected, but Scotland is ready to work towards building collaboration with other countries to solve this crucial issue.
In her opening address to the conference, the First Minister is expected to say:
It’s now more than 30 years since the issue of loss and damage was first raised in international climate negotiations, yet it has continued to meet with huge resistance in the developed world – despite the fact that the climate crisis, and the loss and damage it causes, has become even more apparent.
The price of loss and damage is already being paid by countries across the Global South, but the burden cannot be for these communities to bear alone.
Scotland is determined to do all that we can to ensure progress on this issue at COP27. That’s why we are placing so much importance on this conference in building collective action.
While the outcome of COP27 is crucial, countries don’t need to wait to take action on this issue. If we wait for everyone to agree on the issue of loss and damage, we will delay progress. Those who are ready and willing to take action, should do so now.
Background
A hybrid conference on Loss and Damage, convened by the Scottish Government, will take place from 11-12 October 2022. The First Minister will give an opening address and join a plenary discussion at the beginning of the conference. A transcript of the First Minister’s opening address will be made available on the Scottish Government website once delivered.
