Global commerce giants - including Coca-Cola, Tesco and Sky - have today signed a statement calling on the Scottish Parliament to ‘seize the chance to renew their position as a climate leader in the Climate Change Bill’ by 2050 at the latest.

It comes as a survey of 300 businesses, commissioned by WWF Scotland, shows that 53% of large firms in Scotland (employing more than 250 people), believe the required and urgent response to climate change presents an economic opportunity.

Sam Gardner, Deputy Director of WWF Scotland, said: “Businesses are recognising that to thrive into the future the challenge of climate change must be tackled head on and embraced.

“In order for business to thrive in the transition to a net zero emissions world they need clarity and consistency from government. The climate bill in front of the Scottish Parliament is a welcome opportunity to provide that framework but it must be strengthened if it is to match the science and provide the leadership that helps attract investment and stimulate innovation.”

Giles Bolton, Responsible Sourcing Director at Tesco added: “As part of our ambition to offer healthy, sustainable food for all, we’re committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the food we sell. This means reducing emissions in our own operations and supply chain in line with the Paris Climate Accord, while leading the industry in tackling food waste. Clearly there is more to be done and it is vital we all work together to keep up momentum on climate change and carbon reduction.”

And Nick Brown, Head of Sustainability at Coca-Cola European Partners said: “Coca-Cola has been working in global partnership with WWF for over a decade to help conserve the world’s freshwater supplies, reduce our carbon emissions and ensure that our agricultural ingredients are farmed sustainably.

"As a local business in Scotland, with a manufacturing site in East Kilbride which uses 100 per cent renewable electricity, we’re already working to halve greenhouse gas emissions from our core business by 2025.

“We welcome the introduction of a well-designed deposit return scheme in Scotland and across the whole of Great Britain in order to enable a true circular economy for our key packaging materials – so we can put more recycled content back into our packs, reduce waste and improve resource efficiencies.”