Wednesday 16 April 2008

From Belgium to Bangladesh and from Malta to Mexico, over 12,000 people from 145 countries and territories have responded to the Scottish Government's Climate Change Bill consultation.

The news that the eyes of the world are watching what Scotland does on climate change comes only a week before the end of the public consultation into the Scottish Government's proposals. WWF, both nationally and internationally, is calling for Scotland to help lead the rest of the world by establishing strong legislation to reduce its climate emissions.

The charity is encouraging all those who want to ensure Scotland does all it can to tackle the problem of climate change to ensure they visit its campaign website before the Wednesday 23 April deadline.

WWF Scotland's Acting Director Dr Dan Barlow, said:

"It's clear that it is not only people in Scotland who think that, as a nation, Scotland can lead the way in tackling climate change. From Belgium to Bangladesh, and from Malta to Mexico, thousands of others can see the role that real political leadership on this issue here in Scotland can play in tackling this global problem.

"It is very telling that some of the responses come from the very places that will be the first to be hit by the effects of climate change. We have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to secure a strong climate change bill and I encourage everyone, no matter where they live, to visit the climate change site by Wednesday 21 April and add their voice."

Countries where consultation responses are known to have been submitted: Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Kenya, Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Slovakia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay.

Comments on Scotland's Climate Bill proposals from ordinary citizens from around the world include:

Gacheke Gachihi, Nairobi, Kenya's Peoples' Parliament:

"Even though they have not been responsible for most of the pollution, many African countries are already suffering the impacts of climate change. This year they are also suffering from food shortages. If Scotland can help encourage other rich countries to cut their pollution then that is a good thing."

Mercedes Camps, Montevideo, Uruguay:

"It is about time that the countries in the north - who are responsible for pollution - to take steps to tackle climate change because developing countries, which contributed nothing to global warming, are already suffering its impacts. I believe it is right that a country like Scotland does everything it can to help remedy the global injustice of climate change."

Antje von Broock, Berlin, Germany:

"The Northern countries are responsible for 80% of the historical greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore they need to take the lead in the international climate policy. If Scotland decides to be a frontrunner, then we can push other western governments even harder by quoting the good example."

Nassar Ibrahim, Bethlehem, Palestine

"For the sake of everyone around the world, it is vital that emissions of greenhouse gases are drastically reduced. If Scotland is really prepared to
show a lead that other rich countries could follow then it deserves to be supported."