First Minister John Swinney has emphasised the need for a collaborative and inclusive approach to tackling the climate and nature emergency in Scotland, stating that the transition to net zero "will abandon no community."

Speaking at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Mr. Swinney acknowledged the progress made through government-supported climate initiatives but stressed the need for further action. He reiterated his call for the UK Government to match the Scottish Government's £25 million investment in a Just Transition Fund for Grangemouth refinery.


"This transition will abandon no community," the First Minister stated. "The importance of safeguarding jobs and livelihoods has never been more stark than in the immediacy of the situation at Grangemouth." He urged the UK Government to "at least match our funding – and to use the powers they have to go further," emphasising the need for Scotland to receive its fair share of UK-wide investments.

Mr. Swinney also highlighted the importance of demonstrating tangible benefits to households and communities to garner support for climate action. "If we are to persuade people to back climate action wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and challenges – which there will be – but also demonstrate clear and direct household and community benefits where these are possible," he said.

The First Minister stressed his commitment to collaboration, calling for ongoing dialogue between local and central government, agencies, stakeholders, trade unions, community organisations, and the public to drive progress on climate goals.