Snp's Climate Bill "A Threat to International Agreement"
Sun., June 21, 2009. 19:48.
Ahead of Wednesday's crunch votes on the Scottish Government's Climate Change Bill, the Scottish Greens described the legislation as "weak and irresponsible".
The party identified a Labour amendment to increase the 2020 emissions reduction target to 40% as the minimum change that would be required for the Bill to be supportable.
There has been concern about whether China will sign up to a deal on emissions at the crucial Copenhagen talks later this year. Last month the Chinese Government told developed nations that a commitment to reduce Western emissions by 40% was the minimum required for global justice. The SNP's proposed 34% or 36% targets would set a precedent internationally, and could even undermine the Copenhagen process.
Scientists from the government-funded Tyndall Centre and elsewhere have long called for a long-term 2050 emissions reduction target of 90%. (2) A tough interim target is vital to get us as close as possible to this figure, and Greens have lodged an amendment proposing a 50% target for 2020.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"The SNP have been reduced to lies and bluster on climate change. Alex Salmond clearly doesn't want to take a lead on climate change. He'd much rather just bicker about the constitution and pass the buck to London.
"Without a realistic target for 2020, this Bill will be an insult to the rest of the world, not an attempt to lead. Given the position of the Chinese government, the legislation as it stands could even threaten the chances of an international agreement in Copenhagen. 40% isn't enough, but it'd be a start, a compromise we could reluctantly accept. If the final Bill doesn't even go that far, we'll have no choice but to vote against it altogether and to urge other parties to do the same.
"Scottish Ministers have a desperately outdated vision of a Scotland hooked on oil and coal, with two cars in every driveway and vast sums frittered away on pointless motorway projects. From transport to power to energy efficiency, it's clear they just don't get it, and we would be betraying our conscience if we supported their position. This week will be crucial to Scotland's future reputation, and if the SNP have to be dragged kicking and screaming to 40%, then so be it."
Notes
1. The relevant part of the Chinese statement reads as follows: "Given their historical responsibility and development level and based on the principle of equality, developed countries shall reduce their GHG emissions in aggregate by at least 40% below their 1990 levels by 2020 and take corresponding policies, measures and actions." For the full text, see: http://en.ndrc.gov.cn/newsrelease/t20090521_280382.htm
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.