Ariane Burgess says climate crisis and the cost of living crisis cannot be separated

THE climate crisis and the cost of living crisis cannot be separated, according to north Green MSP, Ariane Burgess.

She claims the climate emergency will punish the most vulnerable people.

The Highlands and Islands Green MSP said: "By delivering green policies that reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty we can build a clean, green economy with equality and dignity at its heart. We have just had the hottest July on global records. Then the hottest August. Then the hottest September and now flooding that has damaged infrastructure across the Highlands and Islands.

"Scottish Greens know that the systems and structures at the root of the climate emergency are the same systems and structures that inhibit the very necessary action to eliminate poverty and tackle inequalities."

She added: "The work we do to make the shift to a green economy – with policies like free bus travel for everyone under 22, investing in nature restoration, or removing peak rail fares – are all vital to the twin missions of tackling the climate emergency and poverty.

"These and similar policies are instrumental in building the clean, green, fair and caring economy we all so desperately need."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.