More than two-thirds of Scots want tougher climate action
Over 70% of Scots support taking tougher action to reduce emissions in an effort to tackle climate change, a new YouGov report has found.
Carried out for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, the findings come ahead of a debate on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today.
It will give Scotland a target of cutting 90% of harmful emissions by 2050, along with plans to adopt a complete net-zero target when possible.
The bill has received criticism for failing to significantly increase ambition between now and 2030, seen as a crucial period to reduce greenhouse gases.
Gail Wilson, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland’s campaigns manager, said: “Climate change will do irreversible damage to our planet if we don’t do more to tackle it now.
“This new polling shows that people in Scotland recognise the seriousness of the situation and want more action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Last year, UN climate scientists published a landmark report which highlighted the alarming rate at which our climate is changing.
“That report underlined that if levels of emissions continue at current rates, the risks posed to people and the planet would be truly catastrophic.”
The poll shows 78% of respondents are either more or just as concerned about climate change as they were a year ago.
The world’s leading climate scientists will gather in Edinburgh this week for the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Last year, the IPCC delivered a landmark warning about the urgent need to change our economies and societies to avoid further damage.
Speaking ahead of the conference, co-chair Priyadarshi R Shukla said: “This report will provide governments with scientific information to underpin responses to climate change in the context of sustainable development.”
Head of Oxfam Scotland, Jamie Livingstone, stressed Scotland’s role in distancing itself from the financial benefits of North Sea oil.
“As a nation which has historically profited from fossil fuels, Scotland has a duty to act with greater urgency when tackling climate change and it’s hugely encouraging that people support faster action.
“Humanity needs bold, brave leadership and action right now – and Scotland has the chance to show genuine leadership.”
