​Charity coalition welcomes positive climate news

Scotland has met its climate change targets for the third year running, after achieving a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The latest figures 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, 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%.

Tom Ballantine, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS), reacted: “Everyone who has played their part in achieving this reduction should be proud.

“Back in 2009, when Scotland’s first Climate Act was passed, there was no clear path to meeting the 42% emissions reduction target and many were sceptical it could be achieved.

“Today’s results show that setting stretching targets works by driving innovation and strong policy delivery. This success, along with support from the public, leading scientists and farming groups, should give the Scottish Government the confidence to aim high once again and set a net zero emissions target, by 2050 at the latest, in the new climate change bill.”

Climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “These statistics are hugely encouraging and show we have almost halved the greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland – underlining our role as an international leader in the fight against climate change.

“We all have a role to play in that fight and I want to thank the households, communities and businesses who are working hard every day to reduce their own emissions.

“But we must go further and faster if we are to meet our responsibilities to our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

“Our ambitious climate change bill will ensure we do exactly that – by setting a new 90% reduction target for 2050 and paving the way towards achieving net-zero emissions as soon as possible.”