Scotland has been chosen to chair the global climate action network, the Under2 Coalition, which is the largest collection of subnational governments committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

First minister John Swinney will take up the mantle of European co-chair for the third time, joining his three fellow chairs representing the regions of Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

Mr Swinney said: “Scotland may be a small country but we have big ambitions when it comes to climate change.

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“The Scottish Government is already taking forward a range of policy actions to help us reach our target date for net zero emissions of all greenhouse gasses by 2045.

“These include accelerating our renewable energy generation ambitions and reducing emissions from our homes and buildings through clean heat and improved energy efficiency.

“This is a decisive decade for climate change. All of us have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make changes – however big or small – that will be good for our people, our communities, our economy and our planet.”

Under2 connects state, regional, provincial, and subnational governments from 178 states all across the world who have collectively pledged their allegiance to the climate action cause.

Chief among the actions is the signatories public commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as early as possible.

Under2 also serve to highlight the governments with net zero targets ahead of COP26 to demonstrate how ambitious targets can be set and achieved.

The General Assembly of the Under2 Coalition will be held on an annual basis, often alongside the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties.