Chamber and committees

In the interests of time, I have a question for Muthi Nhlema and then I will put a separate question to the other panellists.

It is great to hear about everything that you are doing. On the issue of Malawi showing climate leadership, might it become a signatory to the UN watercourses convention? I realise that Malawi shares a lake with Mozambique, as well as rivers with other downstream states. That would be brilliant to see. I note that Chad is the most recent signatory to that convention. Any thoughts on that would be welcome. Given that you have finite resources, how do you prioritise infrastructure for specific water uses, whether for drinking, sanitation, agriculture or industry, relative to the flood prevention mechanisms that you touched on earlier?

Yes. There could be competing priorities. If that is the case, do you put in flood prevention mechanisms or do you prioritise putting in a water point? How do you make those decisions on the ground?

Thank you—that was incredibly insightful.

Dr Hill, with regard to Scotland’s role on the world stage, I note that you said in your submission, with reference to the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, that

“the credibility of this Act appears to be wearing thin. For Scotland to be meaningfully regarded as a climate leader, it is essential that there is a step-change in action”.

What are your general thoughts on that area?

I have a brief supplementary question for Carolyn Sawers. You mentioned a substantive positive change in the Scottish Government’s climate justice innovation fund. Will you outline what metrics are used to assess that?

Thank you—that would be great.

That was all.

Professor Jafry, do you have any specific thoughts on Scotland as a climate leader, given its failure to meet the targets?

Thank you, convener. I am delighted to be here. Given today’s session, I want to make everyone aware that, in the previous session of Parliament, I attended a trip to Nepal, which was sponsored by Tearfund, with Kate Forbes to look at tackling human trafficking and climate justice.