The Scottish government has adopted the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) recommendation for the country to be a net zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2045, five years earlier than planned.
Holyrood has lodged amendments to its Climate Change Bill to set a legally binding target to achieve net zero status by 2045 instead of 2050 as originally proposed.
“In response to calls from young people, scientists and businesses across the country, Scottish ministers have adopted the advice of the CCC,” it said in a statement.
“This means that in addition to the net-zero target for 2045, Scotland will reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 at the latest with Scotland becoming carbon neutral by 2040.”
Scottish Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham added: “Having received independent, expert advice that even higher targets are now possible, and given the urgency required on this issue, I have acted immediately to set a target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions for 2045, which will see Scotland become carbon neutral by 2040.”
Cunningham called on the UK government to adopt the CCC’s recommendations.
“The CCC say that Scotland’s ability to meet these world-leading targets is contingent on the UK government also accepting their advice and using the relevant policy levers that remain reserved,” she said.
“As such, I call on the UK government to follow our lead, accept the Committee’s advice, and work with us to achieve this goal.”