We challenge other parties to be bold on environment & say Climate Bill should include target of zero emissions by 2040
Scottish Green MSPs today (17 August) challenged Holyrood's four other parties to be bold on the environment by proposing that the forthcoming Climate Bill includes a target of zero emissions by 2040.
Current targets under the 2009 Climate Act are for greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by 80 per cent by 2050. The Scottish Government proposes increasing this to 90 per cent but does not propose bringing forward the target date, despite the urgency of the situation.
The Greens say a bolder target of net zero ten years sooner will drive innovation and job creation in transport, energy and agriculture - the biggest sources of emissions - and other European countries such as France and Sweden have already committed to becoming zero-carbon.
Mark Ruskell MSP, Climate Change spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
“To keep the world safe from climate change, nations need to follow the science and end the fossil fuel age by 2040. Scotland can reap the jobs benefits today if we set a clear target for a 100 per cent phase out of fossil fuels, sending the strongest signal to drive innovation in sectors from energy to transport and agriculture.
“The Scottish Government is desperate for a policy re-set. By setting out a bold target for 2030 and a Zero Carbon Target for 2040, it would leave a golden legacy for future generations.
“Greens in Government in Sweden have already set a Zero Carbon Target. We should join them in seizing this economic opportunity today.”
Sweden commits to becoming carbon neutral