Scotland’s 2030 climate targets are now “out of reach” and a new policy framework is to be introduced, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan has confirmed.
It will set out a “target approach based on five-yearly carbon budgets” while the legal commitment to hitting net zero by 2045 remains unchanged, she said.
It follows a Climate Change Committee report last month that warned the government’s target for reducing emissions by 75% by 2030 was “no longer credible” amid a string of policy delays.
McAllan said Holyrood will now “bring forward expedited legislation to address matters raised by the Climate Change Committee and ensure our legislative framework better reflects the reality of long-term climate policymaking”.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said the rollback on climate targets is “extremely disappointing”.
“At this crucial time, we need to signal confidence to investors and our supply chain that Scotland is the best place in the world to build the renewable energy projects which deliver energy security, economic growth and carbon reduction at scale,” she added.
“The Scottish government must learn the lessons of these missed targets by urgently acting on the clear recommendations of the Climate Change Committee and delivering the strong policies needed to support delivery.
“This will be essential to ensuring carbon emissions are reduced at the rate required across every sector and to maintain investor confidence in Scotland’s renewable energy industry.
“We urge the Scottish government to work collaboratively with industry and key stakeholders to deliver the coherent policy environment needed to realise Scotland’s full potential as a net-zero powerhouse.”