Sturgeon claims credit for ‘unparalleled’ climate reparations

Nicola Sturgeon took credit for the climate reparations plan made last year at COP26, as Scotland is set to announce new funding towards the loss and damage for climate-stricken nations. As world leaders gather at the COP27 UN climate summit, she urged nations to direct more financial assistance to countries vulnerable to climate change. But a year on from the summit in Glasgow, Scotland, she claimed the idea of climate reparations as her own.She told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland: “It’s been only a year since COP gathered in Glasgow and yet, largely because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the issues that are under discussion now look very different. “But the key point is the challenge hasn’t changed. The climate emergency hasn’t gone away. if anything, that’s becoming more urgent. “So, there’s a real need, I think, to overcome that feeling of scepticism and have determination to see progress.”There was a big, big step forward yesterday in getting the issue of loss and damage onto a formal COP agenda for the first time.” Nicola Sturgeon took credit for the ‘climate reparations’ idea (Image: TWITTER/@SKYNEWS) Nicola Sturgeon claimed the idea of climate reparations is hers (Image: TWITTER/@ITVNews)As she praised the concept, she said: “And we should certainly take heart from that.”In an optimistic sign for further pledges she added: “I think this COP is an opportunity for the global north and the global south to come together and have a proper grown-up conversation about how we make progress. “We’ve got to mitigate climate change, we’ve got to help countries adapt to the changes of climate change. “But as we’ve seen over the past year – not least in Pakistan – there are many parts of the world that are suffering loss and damage now that is irreversible and can be mitigated against.”READ MORE: Sturgeon shamed as SNP axes £133m energy scheme to slash bills Nicola Sturgeon trailed the blaze at least year’s COP26 with a £20million pledge (Image: TWITTER/@SKYNEWS) Nicola Sturgeon has called on world leader to commit to the COP26’s climate commitments (Image: TWITTER/@SKYNEWS)In a spirit of solidarity, she added there is an “obligation” for wealthier countries from the Global North, “which have largely caused climate change, to now make a big effort to help those dealing with the impact address that.”Ms Sturgeon has been urging world leaders to deliver on climate pledges made in Glasgow last year, including reducing coal usage and financing the shift to net zero. “The First Minister’s commitment to helping people facing the climate crisis is unparalleled,” said Harjeet Singh, a long-time campaigner for payment for such losses and damages and head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network.Mr Singh told Sky News he hoped the move would “inspire and put pressure on rich governments to recognise the huge gap in funding to deal with climate impacts, such as loss of land, homes and cultures”.DON’T MISS:Sturgeon humiliated as SNP’s social care plan ‘not enough’ [REPORT]   Sturgeon shamed over patient forced to wait never-coming ambulance [REPORT]   Sturgeon’s independence dream to cause ‘cascading’ brain drain  [REPORT]    Nicola Sturgeon urged wealthier countries to step up efforts to support climate-stricken countries (Image: GETTY)Scotland trailed the blaze at last year’s COP26 in Glasgow by becoming the first developed nation to pledge finance towards climate reparations.In promising £2million, Scotland’s First Minister was quickly followed by Denmark which promised £11.8million. Addressing world leaders at this year’s COP summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said loss and damage can “no longer be swept under the rug”.He added: “Those who contributed least to the climate crisis are reaping the whirlwind sown by others. Many are blindsided by impacts for which they had no warning or means of preparation.”READ NEXT:Nicola Sturgeon torn apart over SNP’s ‘absurd ideas’ BBC audience slams SNP thirst for IndyRef2 as he warns of distractionSNP bashes royal decision on COP27 – ‘What’s the point of being King’Sturgeon swings axe with over £1bn cuts unleashed by SNPSturgeon ‘frightened’ to hold Indyref2 ‘too early’ as SNP hold off