In this eNewsletter: Planning Contacts  Alastair McKie Direct Dial: Email:   Sarah Baillie Direct Dial: Email:
Caroline MairDirect Dial: Email:
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Proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill Proposals for the Scottish Climate Change Bill were published for consultation by the Scottish Government at the end of January. Scotland is to have its own statutory framework, in addition to the UK measures announced in 2007, to aid in the fight against climate change. The consultation period runs until 23rd April and it is hoped that a draft Bill will be introduced by the end of this year. UK proposalsThe UK Government published its consultative draft Climate Change Bill in March of last year. It is centred around cutting CO2 emissions; monitoring and reporting procedures and establishing an independent Climate Change Committee. Targets of reducing carbon emissions by 26-32% by 2020 and 60% by 2050 are set against the 1990 baseline. Targets are to be achieved by the implementation of carbon budgets – set for 5 year periods. The Committee is to advise on these and report to Parliament on progress. Following responses to the draft Bill, some planned changes have been announced including plans to introduce stronger accountability to Westminster. Scottish proposalsStatutory targets Although the 60% target would apply to the UK as a whole, in Scotland it is intended to go further with the proposals suggesting a statutory target of 80% emissions reduction by 2050. Input is asked for in the consultation on whether this target should be based on CO2 alone, or on the “basket” of greenhouse gases. Views are also sought on the best methods for assessing compliance with the targets. In common with the approach taken in the UK Bill, it is not proposed that aviation or shipping emissions will be taken into consideration. Unlike the approach taken in the UK proposals, it is not the intention of the Scottish Government to set an interim target, preferring instead to focus on the end result of 80% reduction by 2050. It is thought that setting an arbitrary interim target could devalue the ambitious nature of the proposals and that its role in keeping reductions on a set trajectory can be adequately addressed by the setting of emissions budgets. Emissions budgeting Budget periods are proposed for emissions. These will allow for annual fluctuations but limit the overall emissions within the given period. Budget periods of at least 3 years are proposed but views are sought on how long they should be. The UK Bill has chosen 5 year periods but the Scottish consultation suggests that other periods may fit better with national or international arrangements. The ability will exist to bank and to borrow emission amounts between budget periods to provide extra flexibility. It is intended to restrict the amount which can be borrowed from a future budget to ensure that the framework remains workable and credible. Reporting and Scrutiny For the proposals to work in practice the methods of monitoring progress and reporting the same to Parliament and the public is of vital importance. The Scottish Government is suggesting that Ministers report annually to Parliament on net emissions, the methods of calculation and whether this represents an increase or decrease on the previous year, with a wider range of factors reported on in a longer term cycle. Ministers will be accountable to Parliament for meeting the targets and will have to report any failures together with their plan to get back on track. Additional scrutiny and monitoring is to be provided by an independent body, likely the Committee on Climate Change set up by the UK proposals, although views are sought on alternative arrangements.
ConclusionThe proposals being put forward by the Scottish Government to tackle climate change create the policy framework only. Fundamental changes in behaviour from all sectors will be necessary to bring about the substantial reduction in emissions being sought. This will require tough political decisions going forward – emissions targets will have to be at the forefront in policy development and implementation and this will certainly impact on decision-making at all levels, informing the way we all live and do business. The current consultation gives everyone the opportunity to comment on and influence the proposals at an early stage. As can be seen from the tone of the consultation, the contents of draft Scottish Climate Change Bill are far from settled and now is the chance to help shape our national response to this global issue. The consultation can be viewed here. Further informationFor further information on this or any planning or environmental issue, please contact Alastair McKie or Sarah Baillie or your usual contact within the Planning and Environment team. |
