Executive to consult about Climate Change Bill

Mandatory emissions reduction target proposed of 80% by 2050

News, 22 June 2007

The Scottish Government is to begin consulting on a Climate Change Bill, which could result in Scotland having the most demanding statutory targets in the world.

John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, announced yesterday that the Executive plans to introduce a Scottish Climate Change Bill and consult on a mandatory long-term target to reduce Scotland's emissions by 80% by 2050, the equivalent of a reduction of 3% each year.

The bill will also propose that ministers are held to account if the emissions targets are not met.

The consultation process will take about a year, in order to allow government, businesses and interested organisations enough time to develop the bill.

Mr Swinney said the bill put climate change at the heart of economic decision-making. "Climate change threatens our people, our economy, our societies, and our very existence. It can only be tackled if we all work together - in this parliament, in Scotland, in the UK and across the world."