Alex Salmond issues 42% challenge
Alex Salmond said Scotland will get all of its energy from green sources by 2030
Scotland has reiterated its pledge to get all of its energy from green sources by 2030, with the Scottish first minister Alex Salmond tempting his foreign counterparts with some of the country's finest exports.
Speaking at the Climate Leaders' Summit in Copenhagen, an event organised by the Climate Group to coincide with the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Mr Salmond was one of more than 60 ministers or regional leaders to attend.
Setting out some of the most ambitious targets in the world, Mr Salmond also vowed to reduce carbon emissions by 42% by 2020 - and offered a bottle of specially-distilled 42% proof whisky for anyone willing to follow his lead.
The Climate Group said regional leaders had a crucial role to play in climate change, as they "will end up implementing most of the low carbon technologies and policies necessary to curb global warming".
Its views have been reiterated by Helen Clark, who represented the United Nations secretary-general at the event, billed as a "commitment session".
"Sub-national governments are responsible for implementing the majority of the climate change solutions. Mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gases of between 50% and 80% will be influenced by decisions at sub-national level," she said.
Among the other climate change actions announced at the summit was the introduction of a new law in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, to reduce emissions by 20% in 2020, while Ile-de-France has said it plans to cut CO2 production by 2.5 tonnes a year within 15 years. South Australia, meanwhile, pledged to generate 33% of its power from renewable sources by 2020.
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Speaking to the BBC, Mr Salmond said: "The people who turned up represented a massive section of the world population - the commitments they are offering are meaningful commitments and I hope it serves as an inspiration to the conference as a whole."
Last night, the Prince of Wales called on delegates at the main conference to set aside national differences and agree a global warming treaty before it is too late.
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