Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing Scotland and the world. The most severe consequences include famine, drought and extinction of species. Urgent action is needed by all nations to avoid the most severe climate change. Therefore, the aim of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act is to establish a framework to drive greater efforts at reducing Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. The Act creates mandatory climate change targets to reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The provisions in the Act set a long-term target to reduce Scotland’s emissions of Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases by at least 80% by the year 2050. This long-term target is supported by a 2020 interim target and a framework of annual targets intended to drive the policies necessary for achieving the long-term target. Many of the policy measures required to meet these targets will not require legislation to implement, but certain climate change mitigation and adaptation policies have been identified which do require legislation and this Act contains provisions in Part 5 to allow these to be taken forward.
