MSPs’ warning over climate change targets

THE Scottish Government has been urged by four Holyrood committees to improve its approach to climate-change targets.

MSPs welcomed ministers’ ambition but urged them to look again at key areas.

Without further effort, the government risked missing some annual targets and should promote a “step-change” in public attitude to climate change, the reports said. They added that details were lacking and communities must be made to feel part of the solution.

Last October, it was revealed carbon-emission targets for 2010 had not been reached. This was attributed to more demand for energy for heating because of bad weather.

In the first of the four Holyrood reports, Rob Gibson, convener of the rural affairs, climate change and environment committee, welcomed ministers’ targets but said MSPs were “concerned” that some of them would be missed “unless all policies and proposals are implemented”.