Only one in three Scots believes SNP will achieve climate change targets

ONLY a third of Scots believe that ambitious government targets to tackle dangerous climate change can be achieved, according to a new survey.

The SNP administration wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions - mainly made up of carbon dioxide (CO2) - by 42 per cent by 2020, as set out in the Climate Change Act.

But the survey has revealed that only one in three Scots think the carbon reduction pledge is attainable, while almost half of the population do not know what the targets are.

The opinions of 1,000 people surveyed in the quarterly Scottish Nature Omnibus will come as a blow to the SNP, which needs the support of the wider population to reach what are some of the most ambitious climate change targets in the world.

The research also suggests that while almost half of Scots are recycling their rubbish, this is not the best way to reduce carbon emissions. Lifestyle changes such as using cars less or insulating homes would be more effective.

David Primrose, director at George Street Research, which carried out the survey, said: "For the targets to be achieved, the government needs people to be involved in cutting emissions themselves."

Dr Dan Barlow, head of policy at WWF Scotland, said: "In many areas the targets have yet to be translated into practical or policy changes that are visible, therefore it's not surprising that some question whether they are achievable.

"Only with government leadership that rapidly supports our homes becoming energy-efficient, reduces our reliance on the car, strengthens our public transport system and delivers the huge green job opportunities will Scots begin to have confidence that these targets can be achieved."

Politicians claimed the survey revealed the SNP's lack of public engagement over environmental targets.

"Simply setting a target isn't good enough," said Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Liam McArthur. "I'm sure more people would think the government's carbon reduction targets are achievable if they saw real tangible action from the SNP."

Sarah Boyack, the shadow secretary for environment and climate change, said: "If Scotland is going to meet the 2020 target agreed by parliament then it is crucial to get the public on board.

"The survey reflects the lack of public engagement by the SNP government over the past four years to make people aware of the targets and what it is going to take to cut emissions by 42 per cent."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We have already cut emissions significantly and are over halfway towards the target of 42 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020.

"A detailed report setting out the measures we are taking to achieve our 2020 climate change targets was published along with the Budget."