Scotland sets out vision for low-carbon future

The Scottish Government’s plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions calls for a massive increase in clean, green energy and full takeup of electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

Scotland’s Climate Change Delivery Plan sets out a vision to meet the world-leading Climate Change Bill target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Officials say the plan will also be key to unlocking Scotland’s vast potential in renewables and creating tens of thousands of green jobs.

Four major transformational measures are envisioned:

• Low-carbon electricity by 2030, through increased renewables and clean fossil fuels utilising carbon capture and storage technology;
• Wholesale adoption of low-carbon road vehicles, and significant electrification of rail by 2050, with significant progress by 2030;
• Low-carbon heating by 2050, with significant progress by 2030, through reduced demand, better energy efficiency and a massive increase in renewable and low-carbon heating systems; and
• Fewer emissions from agricultural businesses, more woodland planting and appropriate protection for Scotland’s carbon-rich soils.

Launching the plan, Climate Minister Stewart Stevenson tested an electric car provided by Allied Vehicles in Glasgow.

“We are today outlining a plan that will transform Scotland to a sustainable, low-carbon society,” Stevenson said. “Scotland will soon have the most far-reaching climate change legislation in the world. That must be accompanied by action and our Delivery Plan demands action now, tomorrow, and from future generations and future governments.”

He continued, “Scotland’s role in the global effort to reduce emissions will create clear economic benefits and help maintain a thriving economy. Harnessing the energy related opportunities presented by Scotland’s natural capital can create tens of thousands of green jobs as we move to 2050. These are jobs for the future — jobs in our rapidly expanding renewables industry, in developing and applying clean fossil fuel technology, in energy efficiency and microgeneration and in the developing sustainable transport industry.”

The Climate Change Bill sets a target to cut emissions by at least 34 per cent by 2020, rising to at least 42 per cent if, as is hoped, the EU agrees to reduce its emissions by 30 per cent by 2020.