Fife Council has become the latest signatory to an international initiative aimed at tackling climate change and promoting sustainable energy.

The 'Global Covenant of Mayors on Climate Change' is an alliance of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low emission, resilient society.

Councillor Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife, has now made the local authority the latest body to sign the pledge, while Co-Leaders David Ross and David Alexander along with Chief Executive Steve Grimmond reaffirmed Fife's commitment to Scotland's Climate Change Declaration.

By signing the Covenant of Mayors, the council also commits to develop a Fife Sustainable Energy Climate Action Plan. This plan will build on existing good work across the region, covering practical things such as local changes to support transformation in how we use energy at home or work, or what to do to prepare for changes in our climate. In addition, it will set out where action is needed and ways to improve opportunities between different priorities.

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Cllr Leishman said: "Taking action on climate change is important to both protecting and improving the lives of people in Fife. Fife is proud to be part of the global community making this commitment.

"Fife continues to innovate in areas such as climate and energy. However, there are even bigger challenges ahead, and enormous opportunities for Fife. To support this work the Council is developing a Fife Sustainable Energy Climate Action Plan. This will be a practical route map for local action guiding Fife through the societal changes we need to make over the coming years. We look forward to working with many of you to take forward this work."

Commenting on Fife Council joining the Covenant, COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said: "The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities congratulates Fife Council on joining the Covenant of Mayors. With Scottish Local Authorities under pressure to maintain essential services, Fife Council's commitment to climate change is a result of strong and continued political and practitioner dedication.

"Scottish Local Government is playing its full role in Scotland's domestic and international climate agenda, to combating climate change and adapting to a more resilient future in collaboration with our partners, stakeholders and local communities."

(LM)