Communities must not be left behind in Scotland's world-leading efforts to become a net-zero emission country by 2045, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister has stressed that the process of decarbonisation should be handled very differently to the deindustrialisation of communities in the 1970s and 1980s.

The First Minister will speak at the Green Alliance 'Countdown to COP26' Conference in London, underlining Scotland's commitment to leading the response to the climate emergency.

She will insist countries work collaboratively at forums such as COP26, which is to take place in Glasgow, and urge that the event is as inclusive as possible.

The First Minister has already written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating the Scottish Government's desire to work closely and constructively with the UK Government in preparation for COP26.

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Scotland's Climate Change Act commits the country to becoming a net-zero society by 2045, five years before the rest of the UK.

The Scottish Budget provides funding to accelerate transition to a net-zero economy, including a £1.8 billion investment in low carbon infrastructure, and more than £500 million to increase efforts responding to the global climate emergency.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The journey to becoming a net-zero society is one we must all make together in a fair and just way.

"Reducing emissions to the extent and at the pace required will bring significant change to our economy and society. I am mindful of the opportunities this presents, and the risks.

"This is why I believe events such as COP26 are so important. The summit will be an opportunity for countries to find consensus on how we all, collectively, tackle the climate crisis.

"We realise that creating and facing such change is a truly shared endeavour. The Scottish Government will continue to engage with public bodies, businesses, communities and individuals at every opportunity about the challenge we all face.

"In recent days we have once again underlined our absolute commitment to respond to the emergency of climate change – I challenge the UK Government to set out significant steps of its own in its forthcoming Budget."

(MH/JG)