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Scottish Government unveils draft Climate Change Plan

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Roseanna Cunningham visited Currie High School to see low carbon work being carried out by pupils
Roseanna Cunningham visited Currie High School to see low carbon work being carried out by pupils

The Scottish Government has unveiled plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 66 per cent by 2032.

Having already reached its 2020 target by achieving a 42 per cent reduction in emissions six years early, the new draft Climate Change Plan aims to raise Scotland’s green ambitions.

Proposals include:

  • Scotland will have a fully decarbonised electricity sector able to remove CO2 from the atmosphere

  • 80 per cent of domestic heat will be provided by low carbon heat technologies

  • The proportion of ultra-low emission new cars and vans registered in Scotland annually will reach at least 40 per cent

  • 250,000 hectares of degraded peatlands will be restored (against 1990 levels)

  • Increasing annual woodland creation target to create at least 15,000 hectares per year

    • The draft will be scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament over a 60 day period, after which the final Climate Change Plan will be published.

    Cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and land reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan demonstrates “a new level of ambition” in its work to build a prosperous low carbon economy and a fairer, healthier Scotland.

    Ms Cunningham added: “Our proposals for further deep cuts in emissions represent a new level of ambition which will help maintain Scotland’s reputation as a climate leader within the international community.

    “But it will be the judgement of our children, grandchildren and, indeed, future generations which matters most.

    “In the years ahead, I want our young people to be able to look back and take pride in what we have achieved.

    “The transition to a low carbon economy offers important opportunities for Scotland — thanks to our highly skilled workforce, the strength of our research institutions and, of course, our natural resources.

    “The Scottish Government’s ambitions are clear, but we have now reached a point in our journey where future progress will require the support of individuals, organisations and businesses across the country.

    “The publication of our draft Climate Change Plan provides an important opportunity for debate at Holyrood about the policies which should be implemented and the proposals which should be considered.

    “That debate will help ensure the final version of the Climate Change Plan provides us with a blueprint for a fairer, greener, more prosperous nation.”

    The draft plan will be scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament over a 60 day period after which the final Climate Change Plan will be published.

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