Commenting on reports that the COP26 climate summit due to take place in Glasgow this November has been postponed until 2021, Scottish Greens Climate Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

“Following the disastrous conclusion to COP25 in Madrid there was real hope that COP26 in Glasgow could provide the breakthrough we need and set us on a transformative path for the next decade.

“While it is naturally disappointing that COP26 has now been postponed, it’s clear that it would have been almost impossible to make the necessary preparations and negotiations in the face of the current COVID19 crisis.

“The climate and health emergencies mean that we must re-build the economy in a way that that supports people and creates new jobs in sectors that are vital for our future. That will need fresh thinking about how governments can develop a Green New Deal that intervenes and invests in the economy, creating fair work while also improving our health and wellbeing.

“When COP26 does eventually arrive in Glasgow next year I am confident that global leaders will be more determined than ever to ensure that meaningful climate action is achieved, especially if there is a new US President.”