This is our second report on Scotland’s progress towards meeting emission reduction targets, as requested by Scottish Ministers under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
The Scottish Act set a long-term target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 80% in 2050 relative to 1990, with an interim target to reduce emissions by 42% in 2020 relative to 1990. Secondary legislation passed in October 2010 and October 20111 also set a series of annual emission reduction targets for 2010 to 2022 and 2023 – 2027 respectively.
At the time of our first progress report in January 2012, emission data for the first target year (2010) was not yet available. Our report instead focussed on the extent of underlying progress towards the targets through the implementation of policy to drive emission reduction measures. The overall conclusion was broadly positive, particularly in key sectors such as power and buildings. However we noted the significant challenges involved in meeting the ambitious targets set in Scotland, and the need for further policy development for these to be achieved.
In this report we assess:
- Emissions data for 2010.
- 2011 macroeconomic and temperature data and emissions data for power generation and the traded sector (EU ETS).
- Underlying progress reducing emissions through the development and implementation of policies. As part of this we also consider the Scottish Government policies and proposals for meeting future targets and assess whether more effort is required to meet targets.
The advice is summarised in a letter to Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment and Climate Change
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