Scottish Climate Change Act

Thanks to you, Scotland has a world-leading climate change bill!

You’ve helped us win a victory for climate justice. The Scottish Parliament has unanimously agreed to cut Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020, and 80% by 2050, following a huge effort by campaigners like you. This makes Scotland the first country whose targets reflect what the scientists say we have to do, not what the politicians feel they can get away with.

Months of campaigning by SCIAF supporters and our friends in the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition have secured the toughest stance yet to be taken by any industrialised country in the bid to tackle climate change and should set a crucial example to other world leaders in the run up to global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The international media has already conveyed Scotland’s message across the world.

Thanks to your letters, emails and phone calls, and your presence at rallies, mass lobbies, film screenings and public meetings, Scotland has a bill we can be proud of, that will really make a difference for those living in poverty.

Theresa Osborne, who works with SCIAF partners in Santa Rosa Parish, El Salvador, said:

“This is a wonderful thing. Scotland as a small country has taken the initiative and will have impact well beyond its own borders. Climate change is a global problem that will affect us all, but is already affecting the most vulnerable.

"Scotland is looking outwards at one world, saying we are all in this together, extending a hand of solidarity. You are doing something to change the structures that cause poverty- this law is going to have a tremendous effect.”

John Swinney MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for climate change, added:

“[Many people]…. have worked together under the Stop Climate Chaos banner to send to Parliament and the people of this country a coherent and co-ordinated message that we should consider and, frankly, be inspired by.”

Arnold Schwarzenneger, the film star who is now governor of California, said:

"Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. Scotland's ambitious and comprehensive targets encourage other nations to step up to the plate as we look toward an international agreement in Copenhagen, and it sends a message to the world that we must act now and must act swiftly."

Thank you!

PS: You’ve already achieved so much, but the work doesn’t stop here! After a dissapointing outcome at the Copenhagen climate summit, we need to keep pushing for justice.Take action here to ensure that poverty and climate justice don't slip off the agenda.