SCOTLAND’S EMISSIONS AMBITIONS

SCOTLAND PROPOSES WHOPPING

80% EMISSIONS CUT BY 2050

The Scottish government has announced plans for an 80% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 to help prevent global warming. If passed, the Scottish Climate Change Bill will be the most ambitious climate change commitment in the world.

With this proposal, the governing Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced it’s intention for Scotland to become a world leader in climate change. All of Scotland's 32 local authorities have formally signed the Climate Change Declaration. A consultation on the proposal will run until April 23, and the government is hoping to introduce a draft bill to the Scottish parliament by autumn.

A strong proposal, but will it get watered down through the political process? Few countries have set emissions targets above 25% - the European Union, for example, has set emissions targets at only 20% by 2020. The Scottish Climate Change Bill has the potential to be an important piece of legislation, a benchmark for developed countries concerned about climate change. As concerned citizens, we can send an e-mail in support of the Scottish Climate Change Bill.

Shoutout to the Scottish government for proposing this bold legislation. Shoutout to all 32 local authorities in Scotland who have signed the declaration. Shoutout to everyone who sends an e-mail endorsing this visionary plan.

¡VIVA LA REVOLUCIÓN!

Sources, resources, discourses:

1. BBC News – article
2. The Scottish Government – press release
3. The Scottish Government – press release
4. Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration – website
5. AFP – article
6. WWF – campaign