The Scottish Government has unveiled its new Climate Change Bill which commits towards achieving a 90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

The draft legislation also sets out plans to secure a 100% reduction in emissions, known as 'net-zero', as soon as possible.

Currently, Scotland's existing targets are for a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. However, the new interim targets will be 56% by 2020, 66% by 2030, and 78% by 2040.

Under the legislation, Ministers will be legally required to keep the net-zero target date under review by seeking expert advice on the issue every five years. The target date will become legally-binding, subject to the consent of the Scottish Parliament, as soon as there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the date is credible and achievable.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham described climate change as "one of the defining challenges of our age".


"Our Climate Change Bill sets out our commitment to reduce emissions by 100% with ambitious interim targets which strengthen Scotland's world-leading position on climate change," she said.

"Our 90% target will be tougher even than the 100% goal set by a handful of other countries, because our legislation will set more demanding, legally-binding, annual targets covering every sector of our economy. By 2030, we will cut emissions by two-thirds and, unlike other nations, we will not use carbon offsetting, where other countries are paid to cut emissions for us, to achieve our goal.

"The fight against climate change is a moral responsibility but Scotland's academic and engineering expertise, coupled with our outstanding natural resources, mean it is also an economic opportunity.

"Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our age and Scotland's international leadership means our plans must be ambitious, credible and affordable – which is exactly what the new Climate Change Bill delivers."

However, Scottish Greens climate spokesperson Mark Ruskell hit out at the Government for its "timid" decision not to set a definite 'net-zero' target date.

"This is hugely disappointing and will shock the many thousands of Scots who fed into the government's consultation, calling for a net-zero target," he said.

"This timid decision shows how weak the SNP are on the climate crisis. They're making excuses but they should be seizing the opportunity.

"Science says we need strong action now. Other countries such as New Zealand, Iceland and Sweden have already set net-zero targets in their legislation, thanks to Greens in government. Scotland has a chance to drive up improvements in housing, jobs, transport and farming but it seems it's going to take opposition parties and the wider climate movement to force the SNP to do the right thing."

(LM/MH)