UN Ambassador lands in Scotland to meet the innovators tacking climate change
This story was prepared before the tragic events of 20 September. Everyone at IBioIC and Celtic Renewables sends their condolences to the family of Dan Burton and wishes Sacha a full and speedy recovery.
UN Ambassador for the Convention on Migratory Species Sacha Dench touched down in Scotland as part of her round Britain climate challenge to raise awareness of the effects of climate change, and shine a light on the innovators working to solve the crisis.
Known as the ‘Human Swan’ for her global expeditions with migratory species, Sacha Dench turned her focus to climate change for this expedition after losing her family home in the Australian bushfires.
Flying in on an electric paramotor, Sacha flew over the Edinburgh area before landing nearby and visiting Scottish renewables company Celtic Renewables, where she met with company founder Professor Martin Tangney OBE.
In June, Sacha began her world record expedition from the host city of COP26, Glasgow. Since then, she has flown across Britain stopping off to interview people involved in addressing the effects of climate change. The UN ambassador toured the Celtic Renewables plant – which will be the first biorefinery in the country - and learned first-hand how Celtic Renewables patented low-carbon technology converts unwanted and low-value biological materials, such as by-products from whisky distilling, into high-value, low carbon chemicals which can replace petrochemicals currently used in the multitude of products we use every day from cleaning materials to food production.
The expedition film crew recorded her visit and Sacha interviewed Martin for a compilation film of expedition stories about “climate heroes” that will be presented at the United Nations Climate Change Conference - COP26 - in Glasgow in November. There is also a TV documentary being made about her trip which is due to be aired later this year that will be presented by Joanna Lumley.
Commenting on her arrival Sacha Dench said: “I am delighted to be back in Scotland and visiting the beautiful capital and surrounds. I am looking forward to meeting people who are truly focused on answers to the climate crisis – not problems - and as such are inspirations to all. We’re trying to answer the question “We drove the Industrial Revolution; can we drive the Green Revolution too?”. As part of this expedition, we have been investigating how climate change is affecting different regions of the country and showing in a visually stunning and exciting way what is happing to help cut carbon and preserve and restore our environment.”
Professor Martin Tangney OBE Founder of Celtic Renewables said: “We are thrilled to host Sacha here at Celtic Renewables as part of this ambitious round Britain Climate Challenge. In our view, COP26 must move us from justifying "why" we need to tackle climate change, to determining "how", and Sacha's expedition shining a spotlight on the people and initiatives helping us achieve Net Zero, is helping set this direction of travel. Celtic Renewables firmly believe we are part of the Net Zero future, and in bringing our first plant into operation we will show that low-carbon biotechnology can be both commercially sustainable and environmentally sustainable. Celtic Renewables is part of the emerging global bio-based economy, and our patented technology can and will play an important role in achieving Net Zero across the world."
Commenting on the announcement, Mark Bustard IBioIC CEO said: “We are delighted that UN Ambassador for the Convention on Migratory Species Sacha Dench recognised Celtic Renewables’ prominence during the UN ambassador’s COP26 expedition visit to Celtic Renewables with Professor Martin Tangney OBE. Celtic Renewables are a leading and highly successful industrial biotechnology company in Scotland, who embody the principles of a circular economy through the use of sustainable bio-based processes.”
