THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND : RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE THE SCOTTISH CLIMATE CHANGE BILL The Government’s Proposals In January 2008 John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Government launched a consultation document on the Scottish Climate Change Bill. The purpose of the Bill is to reduce Scotland’s contribution to climate change by systematically reducing the emission of greenhouse gases from Scotland over the next forty years. The Scottish Government has given four reasons why it is bringing forward legislation to create mandatory climate change targets: * to drive decisions in government and business; * to create and enable new means of reducing emissions and adapting to climate change; * to play our part in global action on climate change; and * to provide a strong example to other countries showing what can be done. The proposals set out in the Bill will require the Government to: * set a statutory target to reduce Scottish emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 * carry out annual scrutiny and reporting of progress - an annual measure of progress in achieving the governments targets * develop a framework of carbon budgets for Scottish emissions to set out a pathway towards the 2050 target * publish transparent, robust and independent advice on when, and to what level, cuts in emissions should be made A copy of the consultation document is available on the Scottish Government website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/28100005/0 The Response to the Proposals The Bill enjoys widespread support both from political parties and other organisations. The Church of Scotland welcomes the publication of the consultation document and the clear commitment it makes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland; we will be preparing a response to the consultation document to say this. The Church is also a member of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition. The coalition wants to see the Bill strengthened by including an annual reduction of at least 3% per year in law. More details of Stop Climate Chaos demands are available on http://www.stopclimatechaosscotland.org/index.php The Church encourages congregations and individuals to get involved in the debate and to send comments to the Government. The more people that respond, the greater the effect. The Government has set a list of questions it is looking for views on. Most of these are technical and you can either respond to these or just send in your views on any aspect of the proposals and your views will be taken into account. You may like to think of your own questions and comments in relation to climate change. * If you had to reduce your carbon emissions by 80% how would you go about It? What impact would it have on how you heat your house or how you travel? How would you like the Government to help you to do this? * Do you have enough information to help you make decisions about reducing your carbon footprint? What information would you need to help you decide? How could the government help you in this? * Electricity generation, transport and heating are three of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases in Scotland. Do you have a view on how they should develop and the options for the future? What should the Government do to ensure they all make a contribution to cutting carbon emissions? Have your say! The Scottish Government consultation on proposals for the Bill will run until April 23, 2008. The Church of Scotland, Eco-Congregation Scotland and the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition urge you to make your voice heard. One way you can do this is to visit the Stop Climate Chaos website where you can find ways to make your comments to the Scottish government. Visit  http://www.stopclimatechaosscotland.org/action.php and make your views known. “When our land is submerging slowly but visibly, any ideological debate on ecological issues are only a luxury of the privileged communities” Rev Tafue Molu Lusama, Pacific Eklasia Kelisiano, Tuvalu Church of Scotland 121 George Street, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 225 5722 www.churchofscotland.org.uk Charity Number: SC011353 Adrian Shaw, Climate Change Project Officer, Church of Scotland ashaw@cofscotland.org.uk