‘Equality’ call for Scots green goals

Climate change targets should be “equally challenging” across all sectors in Scotland, according to a Holyrood report published today.

The report by the Scottish parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee said, for example, that transport accounts for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions but has weaker targets compared with other sectors in Scotland.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee’s report is one of four released today making recommendations in relation to the Scottish government’s draft Climate Change Plan (CCP), which sets out Scotland’s approach to cutting emissions over the next 15 years. 

Graeme Dey MSP and Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Convener said: “Our committee feels that it is crucial for all of Scotland’s sectors to play their part in reducing emissions.

“Specifically transport and agriculture – which are the biggest contributors in terms of creating harmful carbon emissions – must, in the opinion of the committee, be required to make a greater contribution in tackling climate change.”

The committees – which also include the Rural Economy and Connectivity; Local Government and Communities and the Economy Jobs and Fair Work – also called for more detail in the final CCP.

Dey said: “The committee is disappointed at the lack of detailed information in the draft plan.

“In order to come to a view on how robust and achievable the targets are, we must have considerably more data around some of the specific measures.

“Not only will this allow for proper scrutiny, it will also help the Scottish parliament to hold the government to account on progress in years to come.”

Image: Holyrood (Scottish Parliament)