Belladrum climate change debate

Tackling climate change will provide huge benefits to the Highland economy, a Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) director will argue tomorrow.

Calum Davidson, director of energy and low carbon, will be part of a lively University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) sponsored debate at the area’s leading music festival.

Events at the VERB Garden Tent at Belladrum are designed to stimulate debate amongst festival goers, academics and invited guests.

Mr Davidson will join a panel which includes UHI meteorologist Dr Eddie Graham, global warming commentator Andrew Montford and John Shade, former fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society.

The debate will be chaired by BBC Radio Scotland’s Gary Robertson.

Mr Davidson said: "Debating climate change can often focus on headlines such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and melting icecaps.

"Focusing on decarbonising energy generation highlights many other benefits.

"The huge renewable resources that our region offers the north of Scotland provide us opportunities to be a global centre in climate change mitigation.

"And, while the North Sea and west of Shetland have huge oil reserves, fossil fuels cannot remain the main source of energy indefinitely.

"In fact, I would argue that Oil and Gas will become too valuable to burn."

He continued: "In the Highlands, we have a rich vein of alternative energy sources in onshore wind, offshore wind plus wave and tidal developments.

"Our region is recognised as a world class centre for marine renewables with the establishment of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney over ten years ago.

"And this year, consents were finally given for the offshore wind projects Beatrice and Moray Offshore Renewables, both off the coast in this region.

"This is further recognition of the superb natural resources in the Highlands and Islands and also the ability of this area to service these early stage energy industries.

"Climate change presents an opportunity for the Highlands and Islands to lead the way in finding viable alternatives to fossil fuel.

"Green, clean energy is developing apace and not being part of it would be a missed opportunity for the Highlands and Islands."

The climate change debate will take place at 3:30pm tomorrow.

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