Climate change in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament unanimously agreed to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020, and at least 80% by 2050, following a huge push by Scottish campaigners including Caritas Internationalis member SCIAF.  The new legislation, which also includes counting emissions from aviation and shipping, sets an example to world governments ahead of December’s UN’s climate talks in Copenhagen that strong action on climate change can and must be taken.  Chris Hegarty, SCIAF’s Advocacy Manager said, “The Scottish Parliament has voted for legislation that will be held up as an example to European and world governments ahead of the UN’s climate change talks in Copenhagen in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol.  “Caritas and SCIAF are already seeing the devastating impact that climate change is having on poor communities in developing countries with increased droughts, floods, and changing seasonal weather patterns. “As Scotland has shown, it is possible for wealthy governments to take the strong action if they are sincere in addressing the problem. All governments have a moral responsibility to address this problem before it gets much worse.” Leading elements of the bill include:  •  At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels);  • At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels);  • Emissions from international aviation & shipping to be included from the start;  • Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland’s greenhouse gas emission;  • Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions;  • Strong energy efficiency measures to tackle fuel poverty and save energy.