Scottish First Minister John Swinney has urged developed nations, especially major carbon emitters, to take responsibility and support countries such as Malawi, which are suffering the effects of climate change despite contributing virtually nothing to its causes.
Swinney made the remarks in Zomba City on Saturday during a visit to communities supported by the Climate Just Communities Project, which is funded by the Scottish Government.
He said it was the moral responsibility of developed countries such as Scotland to assist nations that did not cause climate change but are now facing its consequences.
“Malawi is one of those countries. I would encourage other countries to take the same approach because only by working together in a focused way on projects such as the Climate Just Communities can we make an impact in safeguarding people’s lives,” Swinney said.
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He described Malawi as being on the frontline of climate change, where extreme weather patterns are affecting people’s ability to live and sustain themselves.
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The Climate Just Communities project is being carried out in Zomba and seven other districts.
Swinney said the project was one of several initiatives that were designed to help people maintain their livelihoods in the face of climate-related challenges.
He added that the work supported by the Scottish Government is important and that partnerships were essential to ensure the success of the programmes.
Swinney, whose role is similar to that of a prime minister at national level, also said the impact extended beyond environmental concerns and contributed to addressing poverty, food security and long-term development.
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During his visit, local leaders called for support to be extended to other areas.
In response, Swinney said Scotland remained a committed long-term partner.
Zomba District Commissioner Reinghard Chavula said the results of the Scottish Government’s support were evident in communities.
Traditional Authority Ngwelero, in whose area the event took place, said the support was transforming lives by providing livestock and other income-generating opportunities.
Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Richard Perekamoyo, said the assistance from Scotland has had a significant impact.
“Poor communities heavily affected by climate change are being helped and their livelihoods are improving,” Perekamoyo said.
He also spoke about the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change through reforestation and other environmental conservation activities.
“We continue to prioritise reforestation and sustainable natural resource management as key parts of our climate action strategy.
“We are ensuring that we not only adapt to climate change but also take concrete steps to reduce its impact,” he said.
Swinney was visiting Zambia and Malawi to see how Scottish Government funding is contributing to work in areas such as climate, health and human rights.
The visit also marked 20 years since former First Minister Jack McConnell signed the historic cooperation agreement between Scotland and Malawi.
The agreement formalised what is seen as a long-standing relationship between the two countries, rooted in historical ties dating back to the 19th century.
It established a unique model of international partnership based on mutual respect and shared learning rather than charity, with Scotland committing at least £3 million annually to support development in areas such as health, education, civic governance and sustainable economic growth.
