Tackling global climate change

A joint agreement to tackle climate change has been signed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy.

Scotland and New Jersey have set ambitious climate and clean energy targets, recognising the importance of decarbonising the energy sector and in particular the role of offshore wind.

Scotland is seen as a leader in offshore wind innovation – hosting the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the world’s first floating offshore wind farm. New Jersey has made dramatic strides with its offshore wind initiative and has established a goal of 3,500 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy by 2030.

The two administrations have agreed to:

• Share experience and best practices on tackling climate change
• Work with like-minded countries, states and regions to increase ambition on climate change
• Promote business and economic opportunities created by the transition to a low carbon economy

The First Minister previously signed an agreement with the Governor of California which has led to the sharing of expertise and development around offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.

The First Minister also announced the appointment of Barry Logue as the new Renewables Specialist for the East Coast of North America, which Opportunity North East and Scottish Development International are co-funding.

The new role focuses on building connections for Scotland in the renewables sector in North America, identifying commercial opportunities in the supply chain and supporting Scottish companies to compete and win business in this emerging market.

The First Minister said:

“We all have a moral responsibility to tackle climate change and the Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions and increase our electricity from renewable sources.

“Climate change is a global problem and agreements like these, working in partnership with like-minded administrations, will help us tackle the harmful effects it has on the planet. I look forward to working with New Jersey as we work towards our shared ambitions.”

Governor Murphy said:

“As New Jersey progresses on the path to 100 percent clean energy, we are grateful to partner with Scotland to tackle the issue of climate change head on. 

“Scotland has a world-class offshore wind industry and we are looking forward to learning from them as we establish offshore wind farms in our state.”