Scottish Parliament Approves Revised Climate Change Targets

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have approved new legislation that modifies Scotland’s climate change objectives. This Climate Change Bill eliminates yearly targets and the provisional targets for 2030 and 2040 concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions, while retaining the overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. This development follows the Scottish government’s acknowledgment that its previous objective of cutting emissions by 75% by 2030 was unattainable. The proposed law secured passage in Holyrood with a vote of 105 in favour and zero against. It garnered cross-party backing, with the exception of the Scottish Greens, whose seven MSPs chose to abstain from the vote. The Scottish Conservatives characterized the updated targets as “a humiliating climbdown”. Conversely, Gillian Martin, the acting Net Zero Secretary, affirmed that the Scottish government remained “unwavering” in its dedication to reaching net zero by 2045. She stated: “It is crucial that our target pathway to 2045 is set at a pace and scale that is feasible and reflects the latest independent expert advice.” She further added: “Carbon budgets are an established model for assessment of emissions reductions used by other nations including Japan, France, England and Wales, and they will include emissions from international aviation and shipping and there will be no provision to ‘carry over’ emissions from one carbon budget to another.” Martin concluded: “We will continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us and reflects our commitment to the ambition of credible emissions reduction.” The Scottish government had conceded in April that its prior objective was “out of reach”. Since this goal was embedded in existing climate change legislation, ministers were compelled to introduce the new Bill to enact the necessary modifications. In addition to revising the 2019 legislation, the newly introduced Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill will implement a system of five-year carbon budgeting cycles, replacing the previous method of gradual reductions over specific timeframes. Given its status as a minority government, the Scottish National Party (SNP) required backing from other political parties for the Bill to pass and be enacted into law. Prior to the vote, Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, indicated that his party would only support the Bill if the Scottish government “commits to accelerated climate action”. Ultimately, the seven Scottish Green MSPs abstained from casting their votes. Harvie conveyed to MSPs: “I think we should be a bit embarrassed by the need for this Bill.” Liam McArthur, a Scottish Lib Dem MSP, commented that the Bill must not serve as “another escape hatch” for the Scottish government, asserting that ministers ought to be “moving heaven and earth” to benefit the climate and local communities. Douglas Lumsden, the Scottish Conservative net zero spokesperson, characterized the Bill as a “humiliating climbdown” for the Scottish government. He remarked: “The SNP are all talk and no action when it comes to climate change.” Lumsden added: “They missed their own annual climate targets in nine out of the last 13 occasions and their sheer incompetence means they have now dumped them altogether.” Sarah Boyack, Scottish Labour’s net zero spokesperson, declared it a “day of shame” for the SNP, with climate targets described as being left “in tatters”. She further stated: “The SNP cannot make the same mistakes again – this Bill must be backed up with a real plan to meet our remaining targets and ensure our homes, transport and communities can deliver the just transition we urgently need.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.