Greens Pop the Big Question to All Parties - 'Big Ask' Climate Change Bill Goes Out to Consultation
Wed., June 29, 2005. 11:11.
In advance of the G8 summit next week, Green MSP Mark Ruskell has called for cross-party support for tougher laws to slash Scotland's excessive levels of climate change pollution, as he formally launched a consultation on a new bill in the Scottish Parliament.
In advance of the G8 summit next week, Green MSP Mark Ruskell has called for cross-party support for tougher laws to slash Scotland's excessive levels of climate change pollution, as he formally launched a consultation on a new bill in the Scottish Parliament.
The 'Big Ask' argues that with the technologies and policies available to reduce emissions by around 3% every year, politicians should be legally accountable for making sure action is taken. Ruskell is inviting all parties to put forward their ideas for toughening up action on climate change as part of the consultation process. (1)
Currently, according to a parliamentary inquiry report published this year, Scotland pollutes way above its fair share and is set to fail existing targets with current policies.(2)
The Bill focuses on overall national targets and Ministerial accountability but also points to other actions that may be brought into the bill during the consultation period such as
- targets for 'micro-renewables'. Small scale renewable energy schemes for communities and individual homes which Greens say could be expanded dramatically if government support and incentives were improved. Greens say every new home should have solar panels fitted as standard.
- as a financial incentive for microgeneration, a version of the renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) currently issued to large scale generators could be issued for to micro generators. Such ‘ROC-ette’s’ can then be sold on to electricity suppliers helping offset the costs of installation.
- amendment of building regulations to require installation of micro-renewables.
Greens are also currently promoting two other bills on reducing traffic levels and on energy efficiency in order to reduce climate change pollution from transport and wasteful energy use.
Mark Ruskell MSP, who argued for the parliamentary inquiry into climate change as Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Environment Committee, said:
"What better way for Scottish politicians to prove we are sincere about preventing further poverty, chaos and conflict in the developing world than to support serious action on climate change.
“Everyone wants Scotland to shine as the eyes of the world turn to the G8 summit and we have to show a better example of how to tackle climate change - our record so far has been lamentable. Scotland has to be part of the solution to climate change, not the problem. This bill sets a challenge to Ministers and all politicians - if you say you are prepared to act, are you also prepared to be held accountable for your promises?
"We need big ideas and determined politicians to make a real difference on climate change. In Germany, Greens in government are working towards a target of a million solar roofs, we should be doing the same - even simply to guarantee solar panels on every new building in Scotland would be a start. This is the sort of bold move our bill could result in."
The Bill would mean that by law Scottish Ministers would have to set targets for reducing climate changing pollution in Scotland, using the full range of powers available to the Scottish Executive such as planning, transport, energy, housing, education and agriculture to reduce pollution levels to reach the legal target.
Ministers would have to regularly report, probably on an annual basis, on their progress towards meeting those targets. A full analysis would be required and if particular policies were leading to the failure to meet targets then changes would have to be brought forward by Ministers for scrutiny in Parliament.
Greens are to consult widely, and particularly with other parties to seek cross-party support. Leading politicians from Labour, Libdems and the Tories have supported a similar move in Westminster.
Notes
(1) For more information about the 'Big Ask' campaign, which is an initiative of Friends of the Earth, go to: thebigask.com
The Green MSP draft consultation the 'Big Ask in Scotland' is available here, by email from the Press Office or at markruskellmsp.org.uk
(2) A parliamentary inquiry report into climate change published on 18th May slated the Scottish Executive for its failure to take radical action to tackle climate change - and criticised the fact that Scotland lags behind the UK in reducing climate change pollution, stating that "..... the current rate of progress in reducing emissions in Scotland is inadequate to meet both short and long-term targets." Other comments in the conclusions of that report:
"...progress to date in Scotland has been disappointing. There are significant worries that emissions from major sectors such as energy and transport are still rising."
"Significant development of political leadership is required if climate change is to be addressed in a robust, coherent and equitable way which can take account of other social and economic objectives. Failure to achieve this would risk leaving Scotland struggling to meet ever more challenging obligations and failing to exploit fully the benefits and opportunities which may arise."
(3) Extract from consultation document on main aims of the bill:
This consultation is therefore on a ‘Draft proposal for a bill to require the Scottish Executive to establish targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, by a specified date and to take steps including the preparation of an action plan to ensure those targets are met and to report on progress.’
The requirement to set targets by law and also to devise a plan of action for meeting these targets and to have to report publicly on progress would focus the Scottish Executive on reducing Climate Change emissions.
This proposal is in line with the Scottish Parliament Environment Committee’s recent Inquiry into Climate Change which recommended that: ‘The Executive should develop a set of clear and challenging benchmarks to provide a detailed route map to guide action towards this long-term target. It is essential that public sector agencies, businesses and individuals know what is expected of them. A comprehensive independent audit of progress under the Scottish programme should be commissioned by the Executive and repeated every five years. The Executive should also report annually to the Parliament on its progress towards meeting targets.’
(4) Extract from the consultation document ono micro-renewables:
Accelerated Introduction of Renewables
The Scottish Executive is currently working towards a 40% target of electricity generation from renewable energy by 2020. Whilst the current focus is on wind energy, the Scottish Executive could encourage the rapid commercialisation of the full range of renewable technologies: wind, wave, tidal, solar and biomass. In particular, the Executive could increase current levels of investment into marine renewables. This broad spectrum of technologies would improve the security of energy supply.
In particular, microrenewable energy, where small-scale wind, solar and hydro devices provide electricity for individual buildings or small communities, offers considerable potential for development. Indeed the Executive has devolved powers that could be used to encourage microgeneration;
- Currently installation of microrenewable devices often requires planning consent. However, the Executive could grant permitted development status in order to reduce barriers and costs of installation.
- As a financial incentive for microgeneration, a version of the renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) currently issued to large scale generators could be issued for to micro generators. Such ‘ROC-ette’s’ can then be sold on to electricity suppliers helping offset the costs of installation.
- Building regulations could be amended to require the installation of some micro renewable energy sources in new developments.
A Bill to promote Microgeneration has been proposed at Westminster. The bill requires firm targets and new policies to promote microgeneration, establishes a ‘renewable heat obligation’ and requires government reports to parliament on these issues and on greenhouse gas emissions.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.