Climate campaigners, conservation groups and energy organisations have praised the SNP Government’s swift action to get tougher on climate change, after announcing that Scotland will stop contributing to climate change within a generation.
Amendments to the Climate Change Bill have been lodged that will see Scotland become carbon neutral by 2040 and reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
Though the existing world-leading targets were already described as at “the limit of feasibility”, the SNP Government listened to calls from young people, scientists and businesses across and adopted the latest advice of the UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC).
Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, Claire Mack said:
“This bold announcement provides industry with more clarity about the scale of the challenge we face and enables us to plan, invest and innovate for the long-term. Doing so will allow Scotland to make the most of our abundant natural resources and continue to maximise our share of the jobs and wider social benefits which come from the global shift to a low-carbon energy system.”
Mike Robinson, Board member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland added:
“It’s great to see the SNP Government responding to advice and committing to net-zero by 2045. Enshrining this commitment in law puts Scotland amongst the leading of nations in the world in terms of ambition on climate change”.
WWF Scotland commented:
“Fantastic to see the SNP Government respond to CCC advice by committing to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.”
NFU Scotland President Andrew McCormick said:
“The CCC recommendation that Scotland can achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 is era-changing and a huge moment in the climate change debate for our farmers and crofters.”
Nourish Scotland commented:
“This is massive; it needs citizens business and government to work together but the prize is a greener and fairer Scotland and world in our lifetime.”
Scottish Environment Link added:
“This is a very welcome announcement by the SNP Government and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP. Setting a 2045 target for net-zero is the right thing to do! Scotland's rich natural environment is our biggest ally in tackling climate change. Let's work to protect and enhance it!”
Christian Aid Scotland said:
“Great that the SNP Government is committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 – an exciting time for climate campaigning in Scotland!”
Prof Dave Reay, Chair in Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh, said:
“This changes everything. It is a blueprint for a revolution in every facet of our lives, from how we power our homes and travel to work, to the food we buy and the holidays we take. That our SNP Government has accepted these recommendations and a target of ‘net zero’ emissions by 2045 shows real commitment and courage on their part and reflects the strength of public opinion right across Scotland for urgent action on climate change.”
RSPB Scotland said:
“We Welcome the SNP Government announcement that they will include a net-zero by 2045 emissions target in the Climate Bill. Action to make this happen will help our wildlife most under threat by climate change."
Eliot Whittington, Director of The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group added:
“It’s great that the SNP Government has led the way by swiftly following the advice of the CCC. Scotland has the potential to maintain that leadership by decarbonising its economy ahead of the rest of the UK and we urge the UK Government to quickly follow suit.”
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