SCCS has written to the First Minister to call for urgent action in the forthcoming Climate Change Bill.
SCCS chair Tom Ballantine has written to Nicola Sturgeon praising the Scottish Government’s “commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement” through the upcoming Climate Change Bill, said current Government plans fell well short of the level needed if Scotland is to be at the forefront of delivering the international agreement signed by 197 countries 18 months ago.
The letter outlines the coalition’s three key demands for the new Climate Bill including setting a target of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest, and a reduction of 77% by 2030, ensuring that future finance budgets are consistent with our climate targets, and committing to actions that cut emissions and deliver and cleaner, healthier, more prosperous Scotland.
He wrote: “The new Climate Change Bill is a huge opportunity to renew Scotland’s climate leadership and demonstrate the creative, imaginative and bold policies you are aiming for in the next Programme for Government. A net zero target by 2050, and the transformative policies to deliver it, would maintain Scotland’s place as a true world leader. It would deliver an increase in jobs, cleaner air, reduced burdens on the NHS and economic prosperity.
SCCS is calling for the new Climate Change Bill to:
- Set a target of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest, and a reduction of 77% by 2030
- Ensure that future finance budgets are consistent with our climate targets
- Commit to actions that cut emissions and deliver and cleaner, healthier, more prosperous Scotland:
– greener farming: set a nitrogen budget for Scotland by 2020
– energy efficient homes: all homes to have at least Energy Performance Rating C by
2025
– cleaner transport: phase out the sale of new fossil fuel cars by 2030.
The Scottish Government consultation on the new Climate Change Bill is open until 22nd September 2017.
