Scotland hit 2020 emissions target in 2014

SCOTLAND has already met its emissions target for 2020, the government has announced.

The target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% was surpassed in 2014, according to new data compiled by independent contractors, with Scotland achieving a 45.8% drop against a 1990 baseline. The figures show Scotland is outperforming the UK as a whole, which saw a 33% drop in the same period.

“This is an especially important time for climate change, in light of the international agreement reached in Paris last December,” said Scottish climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

“We will continue to rise to the challenge and the First Minister has already confirmed that the Scottish government plans to establish a new and more testing 2020 target. We are not complacent and we will continue to take action and encourage others to do their bit to tackle climate change.”

The development was described as great news by Jim Densham, speaking on behalf of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, though he cautioned that the drop had little to do with firm government action.

“Apart from the electricity and waste sectors, it's hard to see a bold fingerprint of Scottish government policy driving the transition to a zero carbon economy. This target has been met because of the loss of heavy industry, warmer winter weather, our changing share of European emissions credits and some government policies.”

He said the government needs to set out policies for major emission reductions in sectors where there has been little change to date, including transport.