Local SNP MSPs talk up climate change bill
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MEMBERS of the Scottish Parliament yesterday voted in favour of a new climate change bill which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 75 per cent by the year 2030.
The aim is for the figure to be 75 per cent lower than it was in 1990. The bill passed by 113 votes to 0, with abstentions from Green MSPs who said wanted emissions cut by 80 per cent.
All emissions should be offset by 2045, the bill says, which is five years quicker than the United Kingdom plans to go carbon neutral.
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland is rightly recognised as a world-leader in tackling climate change – we were one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency, and the SNP is now leading by example by committing to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
"Ending our contribution to climate change will enable us to grow Moray’s economy and productivity, and improve the wellbeing of everyone who lives here.
"While Westminster is consumed by chaos and the Tories have abandoned any pretence of a domestic agenda, the SNP government is ready and willing to take necessary steps to improve people’s lives and take the action scientists tell us is necessary.
"Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity, and a defining political issue for all of us. We have a moral duty to future generations to tackle climate change now and the forthcoming Climate Change Bill delivers on that commitment.”
Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire and Buchan, added: "Now is when the hard work begins and it is crucial that the UK Government follows the Scottish Governments example and commits to becoming a net-zero society.
"There is no doubt that there is a climate emergency and so people must act with the same urgency as any other emergency ensuring no one is left behind."
