Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is to host a workshop next Wednesday (February 13) to discuss best methods of reducing gas emissions in order to temper climate change.

The Scottish Government last week launched a consultation on proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill. This has set a target of reducing emissions in Scotland by 80% by the year 2050.

To embark on this ambition over the next four decades, the proposals set out a framework to guide Scotland to a lower carbon economy. It is designed to give businesses firm indications of the type of investment they should be making in terms of technology and processes.

Wednesday's meeting will enable representatives from a number of Highlands and Islands organisations such as Highland Council the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Findhorn Foundation to discuss their responses to the Scottish Government's proposals.

Archie Prentice, HIE sustainable development and environment manager said:
"Throughout our area we are already seeing investment in adapting to climate change, including investment in community renewables and micro-regeneration, and changes to land management practices.  Climate change will challenge us to consider a whole new way of living and working in the future and we need to prepare for that.  Predictions are that the flooding, storms and travel disruption we've witnessed over the last three weeks are likely to be more regular events in the future.

"Climate change is a topic that is going to impact more and more on our lives and we are very much looking forward to exchanging views with partner organisations. We hope to be able to identify common themes and issues for the area which we can all work to address in the future."

To see a copy of the consultation on proposals for the Scottish Climate Change Bill, click on http://www.scotland.gov.uk/climatechangebill