Sky's the limit as Scotland's fight to save planet wins global support

Published on Thursday 3 July 2008 22:11

PEOPLE have called in their thousands for the Scottish Government to stand firm and take a global lead in the fight to tackle climate change.

More than 21,000 individuals from across the world wrote to the government in response to the consultation on the Scottish Climate Change Bill.

This was the second-biggest response ever in Scotland, after the smoking bill consultation.

The vast majority of responses were sent in the form of postcards, or template letters, in a campaign by environment groups including WWF Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland and RSPB Scotland.

The responses, now published, show the vast majority are calling on the Scottish Government to take a rigorous stand, setting an example to the rest of the world.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, said: "The public response calling for a strong Scottish Climate Bill was staggering and it shows the strength of support at home and abroad for governments to take meaningful action to tackle climate change. The eyes of the world are on Scotland now.

"This bill may be the most important piece of legislation we will see in our lifetimes."

The bill, due to go before parliament in December, is expected to drive forward the government's ambitious plans to slash damaging emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, a target 20 per cent higher than the equivalent UK draft bill.

But thousands of people who wrote to the Scottish Government say there are crucial elements that must be included for the bill to remain strong.

They call on ministers to:

• Include all six key greenhouse gases, such as methane, rather than just carbon dioxide.

• Stick to the manifesto pledge of setting annual targets of 3 per cent reductions.

• Include emissions from international aviation and shipping.

Duncan McLaren, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said he was worried about a "lack of ambition" in the consultation documents, especially as there was no question asking for views on a 3 per cent annual target for reductions.

"If the government doesn't improve on what was in the consultation then these people who responded from around the world won't be satisfied," he said.

"They won't see Scotland taking a lead, they will see Scotland dragging along behind the UK."

Dr Dan Barlow, head of policy at WWF Scotland, said if all these elements were included Scotland could "stand tall and show we are not going to shy away from what we need to do".

The response to the consultation ties in with a poll published this week that showed that voters think taking action against climate change matters more than tackling the global economic downturn.

Asked whether the environment or the economy should be the government's priority, 52 per cent said the environment and 44 per cent said the economy.

Among some groups and energy-intensive businesses that responded to the Scottish Government's consultation there were concerns that its plans were too ambitious.

The Confederation of Paper Industries said: "It is important the proposed measures do not add a financial burden on Scottish industry not faced by competitors in other countries."

And NFU Scotland said of the 80 per cent target: "This appears to be overly ambitious and may put the Scottish economy and agricultural industry at a disadvantage. Any altruistic motivation must be tempered by the fact this is a global issue."

John Swinney, the finance minister, said: "It is encouraging to see the active engagement of so many people on this issue. Climate change is one of the most serious threats we face as a global community and we all need to play our part in tackling it."

Worldwide range of replies reveals genuine depth of feeling

Lawrence Sama Mbiwovi Londi

If every developed country in the world had the ambition that you have, then together across the world we could really tackle climate change.

The effects of climate change are already visible in polar regions where icebergs are breaking up. Average atmospheric temperatures are rising and the effects will be devastating, especially for developing countries that do not have the means to cope with such changes. It is therefore urgent that a developed country takes the lead in this effort.

Margot Ddent

Scotland, as a nation, can and must lead by example if we are serious about encouraging a collective global response to climate change. The Scottish Government must make its fair contribution to limiting the global average temperature increase to not more than 2C above pre-industrial levels. And, in recognition of the natural and economic value of Scotland's environment, with its rich wildlife we must demonstrate that our greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, our renewable energy potential reached, and impacts of climate change addressed, all without damaging, and indeed by enhancing, our precious wildlife.

Shanthini Fernando

I join with citizens around the world in commending you for demonstrating global leadership in tackling climate change through your proposals for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill.

Mr and Mrs M W Betts from Edinburgh

We see evidence of warmer winters, wetter summers, increasing storms, and serious reductions in the breeding success of Scotland's seabirds.

These are happening now, and we wonder therefore whether it is enough just to set an overall target?

We believe that there must be annual targets, whereby the process can be regularly and challengingly audited, and that these targets must be at least 3 per cent.

Nadine Henwood

I was delighted when the SNP promised at least 3 per cent a year climate emissions cuts in its manifesto. I am very disappointed to see that the consultation fails to deliver this, and believe that annual targets or annual budgets to deliver at least 3 per cent cuts every year are vital.

BAA

We have been a consistent advocate of the need for a strong policy framework that creates a long-term value for carbon emissions reductions and which consistently supports and incentivises the development of new technologies. As such, we welcome the Scottish Government's commitment to creating a clear, credible and long-term domestic framework.

Friends of the Earth Scotland

Specific annual targets are needed to ensure the cumulative effect of the bill's provisions, and make it hard for ministers to avoid tough decisions on large new emissions sources. Shorter periods make impacts of poor decisions obvious sooner, driving investment decisions towards cleaner technology, and ensuring effective offsets are in place for any policy decisions that might increase emissions.

Confederation of Paper Industries

It is important that the proposed measures do not add a financial burden on Scottish industry not faced by competitors in other countries.

British Energy

The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, because it emanates from all parts of the economy and society – as such this should be the main focus of attention for government.