The Scottish Parliament has passed a revised Climate Change Bill that reshapes Scotland’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In a decisive vote of 105 to zero, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) approved the legislation, with support from all parties except the Scottish Greens, who abstained.
The new legislation significantly alters Scotland’s climate targets by scrapping annual emissions goals and removing the interim targets set for 2030 and 2040. However, the overarching ambition remains: achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. This adjustment reflects the government’s acknowledgement earlier this year that the ambitious target of a 75% emissions reduction by 2030 is “out of reach.”
Under the revised framework, Scotland will now adopt a five-year cycle of carbon budgets, following a model employed by nations such as Japan, France, and the UK. Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin reassured that the government’s commitment to net-zero remains “unwavering” and that the revised targets are based on “feasible and independent expert advice.”
Critics, however, voiced concerns over what they call a “humiliating climbdown.” Scottish Conservative spokesperson Douglas Lumsden and Scottish Labour’s Sarah Boyack pointed to missed targets in recent years, challenging the government to implement a credible plan for future emissions reductions. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie also expressed disappointment, calling for “accelerated climate action.”
The new Bill underscores Scotland’s ambition to lead in climate action while facing the hard realities of feasibility and accountability in addressing the climate emergency. However, as MSPs and environmental advocates alike scrutinise the amended targets, the focus remains on delivering a fair and just transition that benefits communities and the environment alike.
First heard via the BBC News website here.