The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has recommended a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 target for Scotland in a new report published on 2 May. It recommended a net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050 target for the UK.
In the report Net Zero – The UK’s Contribution to Stopping Global Warming, the CCC advised that, since “Scotland has greater potential to remove pollution from its economy than the UK overall,” it should achieve the target by 2045. Scotland currently has a target to reduce emissions of all greenhouse gases by at least 80% by 2050, relative to 1990.
The recommended targets reflect “the excellent opportunities to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere through afforestation and carbon capture and storage in Scotland.”
The CCC, in accordance with the Scottish Climate Change Bill, also recommended interim targets. These are recommended at reductions from 1990 of 70% by 2030 and 90% by 2040.
The CCC also believes the new Scottish Just Transition Commission has a role to play in ensuring vulnerable workers, consumers and rural and island populations are protected throughout the decarbonisation process.
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