Acting cabinet secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin is set to attend the COP29 UN Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she will represent Scotland in ongoing global climate discussions.

The international conference began on Monday, November 11, and will run until November 22. Leaders from nearly every nation will convene to discuss collaborative strategies needed to confront the climate crisis.

COP29's agenda includes passing measures to keep global temperature rise within 1.5°C, helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts, and striving for net-zero emissions by 2050. This summit has been described as the ‘climate finance conference’ due to its focus on determining financial reparations for less developed countries disproportionately affected by climate change.

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During the event, Martin will participate in roundtables and bilateral meetings with governments, international organisations and groups to explore solutions for the climate emergency.

Ahead of her trip to COP29, Martin stated: “Our country has a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to the just transition to net-zero, which can help influence, inform and shape the global climate debate.

“I will be travelling to COP29 to represent the Scottish Government and use our position of leadership in global sub-national organisations, such as the Under 2 Coalition and Regions4, to help drive greater action across all levels of government in tackling the devastating impact of climate change.”

She highlighted Scotland’s goal to end its contribution to global emissions by 2045, calling it ‘ambitious, but...achievable.’

“We know that challenges lie ahead, and the only way we can truly meet the need and urgency of the task is by working together to exchange ideas and agree on shared actions.”

Martin also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to funding support for vulnerable communities impacted by climate change.

“We are committed to continuing that progress and contributing to the finance debate, to ensure it is in line with climate justice principles,” she added.