Climate Change Bill Passed : A Personal Message from Mike Pringle MSP

1.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Jul 2009

As you may be aware the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill passed at Stage 3 on the 24th of June. Throughout the parliamentary process my colleagues and I have worked hard to ensure that the legislation contains credible and effective measures to tackle the impact of climate change through our actions here in Scotland.

At every stage of the Bill's passage I have campaigned to include a clear-cut interim target of a 42 per cent cut in emissions by 2020, and I am pleased the target is now included on the face of the Bill. I still have serious concerns however, over the loophole introduced by the Scottish Government and supported by Labour which will allow it to reduce the target if it appears too challenging. It is now incumbent on all parties to make every effort to ensure that the 42 per cent target is retained and reached, and the road to 80 per cent reductions by 2050 is not threatened.

I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats succeeded in winning parliamentary support for its amendments at Stage 3 which put a fair and safe limit on the total amount of emissions for the period until 2050. The inclusion of a cumulative emissions budget is a huge step towards ensuring that our emission reduction targets are properly based on the science of what is needed, and will therefore truly make a difference.

After much campaigning, sectoral targets have been included in the legislation - helping to ensure that every part of Scotland's economy will play its role in reducing emissions. Emissions from aviation and shipping will also be included in emissions accounts from the outset: something that sets an example for the world to follow.

I was disappointed, however, that the SNP, Conservatives and Labour opposed our amendments at Stages 2 and 3 which would have introduced annual emissions reduction targets of 3 per cent. The omission of this requirement from the face of the Bill must not be an excuse to allow any slippage in emissions reductions from the outset.

While targets are not in themselves sufficient, we are determined that the Bill will now translate into effective action. Please be assured that I am fully committed to ensuring that the Parliament recognises that further, continued action will be needed and that passing this law does not mark the end of our responsibility in tackling climate change.