Scottish climate change bill toughest in the world

By Per Fischer

June 25, 2009

The Scottish Government's "world-leading legislation" to tackle climate change was passed by MSPs this week.

The Bill sets a target of reducing emissions by 80% by 2050, including emissions from international aviation and shipping. It also sets an interim target for a 42% cut in emissions by 2020.

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Scotland can be proud of this Bill, the most ambitious and comprehensive piece of climate change legislation anywhere in the world. As a country we are leading global action and expect others to follow our lead as we look to the international summit in Copenhagen this December."

The government earlier also published a delivery plan how to achieve these targets.

Friends of the Earth Scotland immediately announced that they were delighted that MSPs have "beefed up the Scottish Climate Change Bill."

The organisation said in a press release: "After two years of campaigning, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act will not be the end of the process, but the beginning of a transition to a low carbon society.

"We will be there to fight for the right policies on energy, transport, food and waste."

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