Scotland’s new law that aims to stop the damage caused by climate change will be put to the test by a Holyrood Committee. The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee will examine the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill, which sets a target of a 90% reduction in all greenhouse gases by 2050.
As part of the Bill, the Scottish Government outlines a series of steps towards achieving a 100% emission reduction in the future. It also introduces more challenging interim targets, including a 66% drop by 2030 rising to 78% by 2040. Scotland’s original Climate Change Act of 2009 set targets to cut 80% of harmful emissions by 2050.
Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Convener, Graeme Dey MSP,* said: “Scotland has long been at the forefront in the fight against climate change and the new targets in the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction) (Scotland) Bill continue that approach.
“However, it’s now the job of our Committee to not only put the Bill to the test but also examine the case being made to show even greater ambition.
“We want to hear a wide range of views on whether the new targets and interim targets are strong enough, as well as the steps needed to achieve net-zero emissions in the future, and what changes we’ll need to make in our day-to-day lives.
“Around the world, we’ve all seen the catastrophic damage caused by climate change and the great threat this has on wildlife, natural environments and of course our lives and the lives of our children. That’s why it’s hugely important we get this right and act now if we’re to protect future generations.”
* Mr Dey became a junior minister yesterday following a Cabinet reshuffle.
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