Graeme Dey MSP Praises Strong Progress on Climate Change
MSP for the Angus South constituency, Graeme Dey, has welcomed news that Scotland has met its statutory annual climate change target for the third year running, after achieving a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but warned that tougher challenges lie ahead.
The latest figures, which are calculated against a 1990 baseline, show the country is set to exceed its current 2020 climate change target and continues to outperform the UK as a whole.
In western Europe, amongst the EU-15 member states, Scotland is second only to Sweden (51%) and ahead of Finland (42%), Germany (25%) and Denmark (23%).
The statistics also reveal emissions of the single most significant greenhouse gas – carbon dioxide – have fallen by more than 50%.
Commenting, Graeme Dey MSP said:
“News that greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by nearly half is hugely encouraging, as Scotland continues to outperform the UK in its bid to tackle climate change.
“And the credit for this success lies with everyone who has taken steps to reduce their own footprint.
“However, we should recognise that making progress from this point on becomes increasingly difficult.
“And in scrutinising the new Climate Change Bill, the Parliament and Environment Committee which I chair will explore in detail how as a country we can in reality meet the ambitions and aspirations we hold around Scotland continuing to provide leadership on this issue for the rest of the world.’’
Background
The statistical publication – http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/06/6601
Information about the Climate Change Bill – https://www.climate.scot/
ENDS
