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SCIAF Welcomes 'World Leading' Climate Target

Campaigners urge Robin Harper MSP to vote for a strong Climate Change Bill at a mass lobby of the Scottish Parliament (Photo: Callum Bennetts)

Scotland has laid down a challenge to the rest of the world by passing the most ambitious climate change targets of any industrialised nation.

The Scottish Parliament unanimously agreed to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020, and at least 80% by 2050 following a huge push by Scottish campaigners.

This is the toughest stance yet to be taken by any developed country in the bid to tackle climate change and should set an example to other world leaders in the run up to global climate talks in Copenhagen later this year.

The outcome represents a huge victory for the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, of which SCIAF is a member.

Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:

“This is a truly momentous day. The Scottish Parliament has voted for legislation that will be held up as an example to the world ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

SCCS chair Mike Robinson (Photo: Callum Bennetts)

“At a vital time ahead of the UN’s talks to put in place an agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol in Copenhagen, world governments have been set an example by Scotland which we would urge them to follow if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.”

“In particular, this presents a challenge to the UK Government. By supporting this bill, Labour MSPs at Holyrood have been much more ambitious than their government colleagues at Westminster. If the Labour Party believe it is the right thing for Scotland, it must surely be the right thing for the UK as a whole.

“Uniquely, Scotland’s targets are guided by science as opposed to political expediency. They are based on what we have to do, rather than what we feel we can do. This is a positive and rational response to a global challenge, and we are calling on governments across the world to follow suit.”

Leading elements of the bill include:


  • At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)
  • At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels)
  • Emissions from international aviation & shipping to be included from the start
  • Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland’s greenhouse gas emission.
  • Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions


A huge thank you to all the SCIAF campaigners who made this possible by signing SCIAF campaign postcards, taking part in our online e.action and writing to or visiting their MSP.