By John Swinney

In countries across the developed world, there is an increasing – and depressing – rowing back on the consensus of the need to tackle climate change.

For those who refuse to believe the urgency of this issue, may I suggest that they visit parts of the world which are on the front line of a rapidly changing climate and see for themselves the devastating impact it is having on people living in some of the poorest communities.

Visiting Malawi last month is an experience I will never forget. There I witnessed just how quickly the changing climate is impacting on livelihoods and disrupting food supplies.

But I also saw just what an impact support from countries like Scotland can make.

I met farmers whose livelihoods have been transformed by our Climate Just Communities programme. Through solar irrigation schemes and sustainable farming techniques, they're building resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. I also met young people learning vocational skills – from welding, tailoring and carpentry to baking and bricklaying – skills that give them economic independence while strengthening their communities ability to adapt to a changing climate.

Communities across the Global South are experiencing more frequent droughts, devastating floods and food insecurity – resulting in mass displacement, loss of livelihoods, culture and traditions - with women, indigenous groups and marginalised communities........

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