SNP MSP Tom Arthur asks the Scottish government what discussions it has had with the UK government regarding the impact that Brexit could have on climate change policy in Scotland.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon asked about plans to build more incinerators, and queries how this is consistent with the government's clean air strategy.

Roseanna Cunningham replies: "We have seen in Scotland a significant reduction in pollution, tighter regulation, and cleaner vehicles.

"We have a good record and are meeting both domestic and European targets."

Labour MSP Monica Lennon asks what action it is taking to improve air quality in Central Scotland.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says Scotland's first low emissions zone will be in place by 2018.

Mr Lindhurst asks about vehicle emissions in Edinburgh.

Mr Yousaf says he will leave it up to local authorities to decide how best to tackle polluters.

Image source, Getty Images

Glasgow is one of the most polluted parts of the UK, an air quality report has shown.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it had tested 51 towns and cities for fine sooty particles linked to heart disease and premature death.

Glasgow had 16 micrograms of the particles per cubic metre of air, exceeding the 10 micrograms safe limit.

London and Leeds both had 15 micrograms of the particles in every cubic metre of air.

Cardiff and Birmingham had 14 micrograms, and Manchester had 13.

Read more here

Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst ask the Scottish government, in light of its strategy to tackle climate change, what action it is taking to reduce vehicle emissions.

Roseanna Cunningham says: "I can't be drawn into comments that may impact on a live application.

"In general terms the procedure for major developments is to consult communities, anyone can comment, and planning authorities have to take account of a full range of views."

Green party MSP John Finnie asks the Scottish government how it works with wildlife organisations to ensure that environmental protections are adhered to.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunnigham says she will fight to retain the 'polluters pay principle'.

Ms Cunningham says, on Monday, called on UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove to follow the 'polluters pay principle' and follow Scotland's example.

Image source, Science Photo Library

Environmental groups have urged the prime minister to avoid watering down legislation on climate change and wildlife protection after Brexit.

The letter, signed by WWF, Greenpeace and others, says action is needed to halt ongoing environmental decline.

The UK government previously said it would leave the environment in a better state for future generations.

But the letter expresses concern that Brexit could force ministers to backtrack on this promise.

Newspaper reports, external based on leaked documents, external have suggested that trade and growth would be prioritised at the expense of efforts to tackle global warming and the illegal trade in wildlife.

"Things like access to environmental information, the 'precautionary principle', the 'polluter pays' principle are all established in EU treaties. The sense is that those might not come across [into UK law]," Trevor Hutchings, director of advocacy at WWF-UK.

A UK government spokesperson said: "The UK is a global leader in tackling the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) and a key part of worldwide efforts on climate change, including implementing the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. Our commitment to both issues is as strong as ever."

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine asks what the impact could be on Scotland of the reported proposals in the EU Withdrawal Bill to abandon the principles that the polluter pays and that preventative action should be taken to avert environmental damage.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham reveals: "In the course of the previous Scottish land fund, nine groups in the council areas received awards, last year 16, and this year up until September there was four groups.

"I would encourage all communities to see if there are community right to buy opportunities, and would encourage all members in the chamber to promote this."

A beautiful, remote Scottish island is up for sale - but can the local community raise the money to buy it for themselves?

Emma Jane Kirby writes from Ulva.

SNP MSP Kate Forbers asks the government how it is assisting remote and rural communities with community land buyouts.

The Scottish government will now answer questions on environment, climate change and land reform.

Image source, PA

Scottish ministers have called for a “fair funding deal” for Scotland, external’s railways after the UK Government, external announced billions of pounds worth of funding for future years.

The Treasury said the Scottish Government will receive more than £3.6 billion over five years from 2019/20, an increase of £600 million on the previous period.

However the Scottish Government said this is a “real terms cut” that will lead to a £600 million shortfall as it needs £4.2 billion over that period.

Read more at the Herald, external

Image source, bbc

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says the issue was raised with the UK government in October.

Mr Yousaf says there is a shortfall of £600m on what the industry says is needed and he says he will continue to press HM Treasury on this issue.

SNP MSP Bob Doris asks the Scottish government whether it will provide an update on its discussions with the UK government regarding a fair funding deal for Scotland for railway improvements.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham says: "There were 150 written responses received, we're now considering those responses carefully.

"There is a difficulty here, I'm not a fish scientist, I have people who provide advice.

"We don't accept the model we use is not fundamentally flawed but we can improve it in future.

"We don't have an absolutely fixed in stone position. The ultimate aim is to ensure that we have salmon stocks for future anglers as well as current ones."