Scotland and Wales announced initiatives this week backing the move towards a low-carbon future.

The Scottish Government outlined a £6.9 million investment in 43 community group efforts across the region aimed reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to the region’s aggressive climate change goals.

The awards under the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) initiative will support efforts in schools, youth organisations like the Guides and Scouts, and with local community groups.

“Scotland’s ambitious and world-leading climate change targets can only succeed with the active involvement and participation of communities across the country,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government unveiled its vision for a low-carbon future. The plans include unlocking the region’s seas to generate energy, while creating jobs and helping businesses maximise the opportunities offered by a low-carbon transition.

The vision also continues the Government’s commitment to support the development of a new nuclear power station on Anglesey as part of the Energy Island programme.

“Our ambition is to create a low carbon economy that delivers a wealthy future for Wales,” said First Minister Carwyn Jones. “At every step along the way, we must make sure Wales takes full advantage of the potential for jobs and long term economic development.”

The renewable and low-carbon sector currently supports around 29,000 jobs in the region but could secure an additional 250,000 positions with the right investment over the coming years.

Local independent onshore wind developer West Coast Energy welcomes the announcement as a commitment to deliver action.

“The joined up thinking we are now seeing between departments is welcome and should now enable Cardiff to deliver action, not just aspiration,” says chair and CEO Gerry Jewson. “Nevertheless, specific and unambiguous commitments to targets for renewable technologies will be essential to focus the minds of planners and developers alike and catalyse the industry,” he adds.

For further information:
www.scotland.gov.uk
www.wales.gov.uk
www.westcoastenergy.co.uk

Related stories:
Business leaders urge UK government to stay on path to low-carbon economy (14-Mar)
Davey: “UK does not want to scrap 2020 renewable energy target” (12-Mar)
Scotland can decarbonise electricity supply by 2020, says report (6-Mar)
Wales cuts greenhouse gas emissions by almost 25% (8-Sept 2011)