This week theScottish Executive will make an important announcement regardingclimate change and Scotland. This Thursday (21 June) Ministers areexpected to set out their plans for introducing a Scottish ClimateBill. [1]

TheBill is expected to implement key SNP manifesto promises to commitScotland to annual reductions, of at least 3%, in climate emissions;annual reporting on progress toward those targets; and an overallreduction in emissions of 80% by 2050. [2]

Environmentalgroup Friends of the Earth Scotland has welcomed these promises, but iswarning that without a rapid move to legislate, Scotland's potential totake a lead on climate change - and win new jobs and investment - couldbe overtaken by Ireland. Last week, the new government of Ireland alsocommitted itself to an 3% annual emission reduction targets. [3]

Friends of the Earth Scotland's Chief Executive, Duncan McLaren, said:

"Thethreat from climate change grows daily but we still have time to takedecisive action to prevent climate chaos. Whether it is in the areas ofenergy, transport, waste or food we want politicians to make it easierand cheaper for Scots to live climate-friendly lives.

"AClimate Bill establishing a long term goal of at least 80% cuts by2050, and annual carbon budgets that reduce emissions by at least 3% ayear is vital to delivering a climate-friendly Scotland. It would alsostimulate new economic opportunities in renewable energy andcarbon-capture technologies."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Friends of the Earth Scotland is looking for a Scottish Climate Bill that:

• commits Scotland to reduce emissions to safe and equitable levels,
  starting with at least a 3% cut per year;
  
• produces an annual report so the people of Scotland can see the progress
  that they and the government are making towards meeting those targets; and
  
• makes it cheaper and easier for people to save energy at home, install
  micro-renewables, use public transport, reduce waste and purchase locally
  grown food.

[2] The SNP Manifesto committed: "In government we will introduce a Climate
Change Bill with mandatory carbon reduction targets of 3% per annum and also
set a long-term target of cutting emissions by a minimum of 80% by 2050 –
above the UK target of 60%."

http://www.snp.org/policies

[2]In Ireland the government agreed to carbon emissions reduction targetsof 3% per year; to set up a commission on climate change; and to setmore energy efficient standards for new buildings

http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9350986

The commitment followed an agreement between Fianna Fail and the Irish
Greens and ratified on 14 June, which states:

• Agree an all-party approach on climate change targets.
• In advance of agreeing such targets, the Government will set a target for
this administration of a reduction of 3% per year on average in our
greenhouse gas emissions.
• Mandate the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to
publish an Annual Report setting out progress
on meeting climate change targets.
• Establish a high level Commission on Climate Change to oversee
implementation of the Climate Change Strategy.

http://www.greenparty.ie/en/content/download/14915/179236/file/Final%20Gover
nment%20Programme%20Reordered%20section%20-%2021%2030.pdf