Climate Change Bill Strengthened in Scotland

The Scottish Government is taking further steps to strengthen its Climate Change Bill.

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said that targets to reduce harmful greenhouse gases will now inlclude a new interim target to cut emissions by 34 per cent by 2020. However, Ministers intend to introduce an amendment to the Bill to ensure this rises to at least 42 per cent as soon as the EU agrees to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2020.

Further measures will ensure that carbon cutting action is taken in Scotland, by limiting the use of international credits.

Mr Stevenson was responding to the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee's report on the Bill ahead of the Parliamentary debate on Wednesday.

Mr Stevenson said:

"Climate change is the greatest environmental threat facing humankind and if global action isn't taken to reduce emissions significantly the world faces an uncertain future. This Scottish Government is taking a leading role, introducing the most ambitious climate change legislation anywhere in the world.

"The Bill sets a target of reducing Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, including emissions from international aviation and shipping. But 2050 is a long way off and we need to be certain we are taking effective action now. That is why this Government has insisted on the inclusion of annual targets, including the addition of a new much tougher 2020 interim target.

"The actions we take today can bring clear and tangible benefits to Scotland now and in the future. In these challenging economic times we need to play to our strengths and build the low carbon economy of the future. Last week's carbon capture study shows that Scotland has the ability to safely accommodate industrial emissions generated in Scotland and North East of England for the next 200 years, confirming we are European leaders in this field.

"Achieving these targets will be challenging. But I am confident that Government, business and the people of Scotland are ready to rise to the challenge."

The Bill will establish a legal framework for emissions reductions in the run up to 2050.

The Scottish Government is currently developing a range of short, medium and long term policy options to drive the changes needed to meet our ambitious targets. These options will be published in the summer.