NEWS RELEASE – SCOTTISH PUBLIC DEMAND TOUGHER CLIMATE CHANGE LAW

Figures published today show that 21,000 people responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on climate change legislation, with most arguing for a significantly tougher approach than the SNP’s current proposals. (1)

Only a very small number backed the SNP case against annual targets, and a large majority shared the Green view that all greenhouse gases to be included, not just CO2. Greens have also argued against “buying our way out of change”, and in this area there was strong support for limits on the use of international carbon credits.

The consultation has demonstrated a high level of backing for Ministers’ actions to be properly scrutinised, and for the idea that public sector bodies must make clear plans to tackle their emissions. Above all, people repeatedly recognised the need for actual policy changes to be made, in line with the Green view that Ministers cannot just set targets and hope for the best.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“It’s very encouraging to see such a strong public response, and it shows how urgently Scots want to see action on climate change. The Bill as it stands is weak and insufficient, and we share the public view that it must now include annual targets for all greenhouse gas emissions from all sources, not just those which the government finds easiest to deal with.

“Climate change is not just someone else’s problem or someone else’s responsibility. We must turn it into an opportunity to embrace the kind of visionary social and economic changes which will bring lasting benefits to this country.

“The SNP must now accept the need to a clear programme of action to accompany the Bill – targets on their own will be of little use unless Ministers show how they propose to meet them. That is the key message they must take to heart before they bring a draft Bill to Parliament.”

Notes

1. For analysis of the consultation, see http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/15113313/0