Help for poorest nations

SCOTLAND’S environment minister Stewart Stevenson has highlighted the promotion of renewable energy to help the world’s poorest communities.

Mr Stevenson said today’s World Environment Day, which will highlight the Green Economy, was in tune with the Scottish Government’s commitment to increasing the amount of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and tidal power.

The minister’s claims came after First Minister Alex Salmond and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson launched Scotland’s Climate Justice Fund, which will have millions of pounds to help poverty-stricken nations with water development projects.Mr Stevenson said: “The topic of this year’s World Environment Day could not be more apt for Scotland. The low-carbon economy offers a huge opportunity for Scotland, creating tens of thousands of jobs and reindustrialising our economy.

“And as we create green jobs at home, we are helping other countries develop renewable energy, and also tackling the devastating impact of climate change on the world’s poorest.”

Mr Stevenson added: “It is a joined-up vision we can be proud of and one which other countries should take note of.”