SCOTLAND should lead the way to a fairer, safer world by implementing bold, new climate legislation.
That’s the verdict from a hard-hitting report from influential charity Sciaf which lays bare the “ecological, humanitarian and moral crisis” of global warming.
With millions of people already suffering from the devastating effects of climate change, Sciaf is calling on the Scottish Government to raise its current targets to a reduction of 77 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the very latest.
In order to do so, cleaner transport and more energy efficient homes will be needed while lifestyles will have to change with less reliance on imported goods. In addition, farming will have to adopt greener practices, according to the charity.
Sciaf is also calling for an independent commission to be set up to oversee a move from fossil fuel production to new, cleaner industries.
Future finance budgets will have to be consistent with climate change targets with accounting made more transparent than at present, according to the report.
It points out that with President Trump pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the rest of the world will have to do more to prevent catastrophe.
It also states that industrial nations have benefited most from a model of development that is now having devastating effects on the world’s poorest people.
“If we are to stop runaway climate change it is vital that richer countries take the lead in cutting their emissions and supporting developing countries to develop on a low-carbon path. Scotland has a proud history of standing up to injustice wherever it occurs in the world.
“In the coming months, the Government must seize the opportunity to introduce a bold, fair and truly world-leading Climate Bill,” states the report.
The current Scottish Climate Change Act requires Scotland to reduce its emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 but the UK Committee on Climate Change, the independent body providing advice to the UK and Scottish Governments, has made its own estimates and it has said that it is possible for Scotland to reduce GHG emissions by 89-97 per cent by 2050.
“Considering the urgency of the task at hand, it is crucial that we aim high; in doing so we can encourage innovation and set a positive example to other nations,” says the report.
It goes on to point out that industrialised countries owe so much ecological debt to the rest of the world that they will not be able to pay it back through emission reductions alone.
“Wealthy countries will need to subsidise this gap by providing financial assistance to developing nations in their efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to global warming,” the report states. It acknowledges that the Government has recognised this need, launching the Climate Justice Fund with a £3 million budget in 2012 and then committing in 2015 to a further £12m over five years. This commitment should be continued with a long-term view of increasing support, according to Sciaf.
“We urge Scotland to champion calls for increased public and private climate finance in international fora,” the report states.
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