Scotland raises the CO2 bar

MSP’s have set a 42% target for cutting CO2 emissions by the year 2020 in a landmark move in Scotland to help reduce the threat of climate change. By 2050 the new goal of reduced emissions rises up to 80%.

Scotland is proud of its recent legislation, with the SNP going as far as claiming that it is much more ambitious than anything that has been proposed in Westminster.

The 42% cut in greenhouse emissions will only stand however if the rest of the European Governments agree that they will take proactive steps as well to reduce emissions by 30%. This is due to the fact that they realize that one act by Scotland alone is not enough to globally change the threat of climate change, but with encouragement global efforts can change the future.

The SNP also encouraged that more emphasis be placed on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Some MSPs had larger goals however that were dismissed in the final vote such as annual checkups in which emissions should reflect a cut of 3-4% and a 90% target in place of the 80% target for the year 2050.

However, despite the legislation, Sarah Boyack the Labour environment spokeswoman was careful to point out that the real challenge was not getting the bill passed, but instead is now making sure that the bill is actually implemented correctly.

Stewart Stevenson, the climate change minister stated that climate change needs to be taken seriously since it is an issue that will affect all people and governments down the line if left unattended.