Rural and Environment

Response to new UK emissions target

December 4, 2020 by admin No Comments | Category Climate Change

Commenting on today’s announcement from the UK Government that, as part of their nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, they are targeting a 68% cut in emissions by 2030, Scotland’s Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“The news that the UK Government is targeting a 68% cut in emissions by 2030 is welcome – if overdue.

“Last year, Scotland set its own world-leading statutory 2030 target of a 75% reduction in emissions in response to the UN Paris Agreement and we have consistently been calling on the UK Government to match our level of ambition. Given the reserved nature of many key policy levers for decarbonisation, a more ambitious UK-wide approach will be critical in achieving Scotland’s goals.

“However, the UK Government must also now act quickly to set out specific new and enhanced delivery commitments – such as changes to the gas grid, support for offshore wind and support for the commercialisation of negative emissions technologies – in addition to those in the recent 10 Point Plan, across reserved policy areas. This is vital if the target is to credibly drive on-the-ground action.

“The Scottish Government’s policy plans are well underway, with our updated Climate Change Plan due to publish this month. In addition we have already said we will publish our own indicative NDC early next year, as a signal of our commitment to raising global ambition ahead of COP26 in Glasgow next year.

“We will also continue to call for increased and more collaborative action on climate change through other channels at all levels of government, for example as co-chair of the Under2 Coalition.

“In addition, we are disappointed that the UK Government has still not taken a decision on the future carbon pricing policy after leaving the EU Emissions Trading System at the end of December. This is the key mechanism to decarbonise 28% of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Scottish Government’s preference is to implement a UK ETS which is linked to the EU ETS, and we are concerned that the UK Government continues to consider an alternative, reserved Carbon Emission Tax.”

Tags: climate change, emissions, Paris Agreement

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