Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group is to close next month after Scot-Govt decides not to renew funding for the next financial year.
The 2020 Group was set up by Scottish business leaders following the Climate Change Act that year and initially led by Ian Marchant.
This ambitious Bill included targets to reduce carbon emissions by 42% of 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Since 2009, there has been considerable progress and Scotland is on track to meet the 42% target by 2020.
Dame Susan Rice, Chairman of the 2020 Group, said: “Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group are volunteers, senior figures from the business and environment sectors who have willingly given up their own time over a number of years.
“The group has played an important role in engaging businesses as Scotland has established itself as a world-leader in tackling climate change.
“But as there is no fresh model for funding, the board believe this is an appropriate time to stand down and allow alternative models to emerge.”
The demise of the 2020 Group was warmly welcomed by Friends of the Earth Scotland.Its director, Dr Richard Dixon, said:
“The 2020 Climate Group was a good idea when it was first set up in 2009 – but has lost its way.
“Scotland certainly needs progressive businesses to be urging the government to do more on climate change but the 2020 Climate Group has turned into a closed talking shop.
“It is regrettable that a range of big businesses have managed to help spend hundreds of thousands of tax-payers’ money while achieving so little. With debate over new climate targets and policies hotting up it is definitely time to get the 2020 Climate Group out of the way so progressive businesses can emerge from its ashes and create a proper business voice for climate action.”
7 Feb 2012
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