Scots 'can set climate example'

Scotland has the chance to become a "global leader" in the fight against climate change, a coalition of environmental groups has claimed.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) has produced a list of measures it says the country should introduce as an example to the rest of the world.

The proposals were unveiled as the Scottish Government’s consultation on its Climate Change Bill began.

The bill would set a mandatory target of cutting emissions by 80% by 2050.

SCCS is an umbrella group for more than 30 organisations including Friends of the Earth Scotland, the Church of Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland.

This could be one of the most positive and historicallysignificant bills in our lifetimes
Mike Robinson

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland

Chairman Mike Robinson said the Climate Change Bill was "Scotland’s chance to really show world leadership."

He added: "It is essential that we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 3% every year, and this must be done in a sustainable way that respects our environment.

"Climate change is not a future problem. For many of our friends in the developing world it already means a tougher environment in which to grow their crops, and for some it has meant that their homes have literally been washed away before their eyes.

"Those of us living in the developed world simply must take responsibility for our actions and seriously cut back our emissions.

"If the Scottish Government is prepared to actually walk the walk and not just talk the talk, this could be one of the most positive and historicallysignificant bills in our lifetimes."

Scientific thinking

SCCS said it strongly supported the Scottish Government’s intention to deliver an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which it believes better reflects current scientific thinking than the UK government’s proposed 60% cut.

Its proposals also include increasing funding for adaptation projects in developing countries, and for ministers to conduct an analysis once every three years on the impact of the bill.

The consultation on the Climate Change Bill will be formally launched by Finance and Sustainable Growth Secretary John Swinney at the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.