ScotGov sets up fund to tackle 'climate emergency'

14 August 2019, 16:35 | Updated: 14 August 2019, 16:37

A fund of up to £500,000 has been announced for new business and academic partnerships to tackle climate change.

The Scottish Government has made the move in the wake of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declaring a climate emergency in April.

Administered through the Scottish Funding Council, it is aimed at organisations that will assist Scotland's transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2045.

Trade, Investment and Innovation Minister Ivan McKee said: "The Scottish Government is committed to responding to the global climate emergency and to taking advantage of the opportunities a greener, more sustainable economy will create as we work towards our target of net-zero emissions by 2045.

"We know this is a multi-faceted challenge requiring thinking beyond and across traditional disciplines.

"That's why I'm delighted to launch this new fund to bring together our brightest minds across business and academia to enable Scotland to continue to lead the way in tackling climate change".

Proposals for the funding have to be submitted by October 24.

SFC chief executive Karen Watt said: "With its innovative college and university sectors, Scotland is well placed to seize the economic advantages of leading the world to a net-zero economy and we encourage all institutions to consider how their specialist expertise could be matched with business to create local and international impact.

"We also welcome proposals including social or not-for-profit enterprises and look forward to receiving innovative funding proposals from the sector."