Climate Change Response

Millions of the world’s poorest people are already suffering the dangerous consequences of climate chaos - the Executive should not fudge its emissions targets for political expediency, said SCIAF today.

Food shortages and increased health risks from more frequent flooding, extended periods of drought and increased prevalence of malaria are some of the life-threatening realities faced by millions in developing countries on a daily basis.

Speaking after the Climate Change Bill announcement, SCIAF’s policy analyst Abi Dymond said:

“The Scottish Executive has to move Scotland from being part of the climate change problem to being part of the solution. The consequences of not taking tough action will be paid for in the lives of poor people around the world who already face too many challenges just to survive.

“With the announcement of an 80% cut in emissions by 2050, Scotland is on the cusp of becoming a world leader on climate change and a champion for the world’s poor. If this possibility is to become a reality, it will require mandatory annual cuts of at least 3% and not just cuts averaged over a five year period which could all too easily be passed on to future administrations to deal with. The Executive has to be accountable and must be able to show progress on its watch"

The burden of responsibility for tackling change lies heavily at the developed world’s door including Scotland. In 2005, just one of Scotland’s power stations, Longannet on the River Forth, emitted more CO2 than ten sub-saharan African countries with a combined population of roughly 155 million.

Mike Robinson, Chair of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition said:

“The Stop Climate Chaos coalition, embracing a wide range of organisations from across civic society including the faith, environment and international development movement, looks forward to working constructively with the Scottish Executive and Parliament to make sure that this legislation swiftly sets a strong framework for year on year progress in combating climate change."

25th June 2007