With the Queensferry Crossing set to open to traffic this week WWF Scotland and the British Lung Foundation urged ministers to invest in projects which create green jobs, boost the economy and improve Scotland’s health. WWF Scotland and the British Lung Foundation in Scotland have come together to call on the Scottish Government to focus investment on low-carbon infrastructure projects following the completion of the Queensferry Crossing. Sarah Beattie-Smith, senior climate and energy policy officer at WWF Scotland, warned the Scottish Government’s 2015 commitment to make energy efficiency a National Infrastructure Priority had not been backed by the necessary funding. The move follows calls for the Scottish Government to include a target in the Climate Change Bill to ensure every home in Scotland has an Energy Performance Certificate band C. The Existing Homes Alliance, a coalition of environmental, anti-poverty and housing campaigners, argues that boosting home energy efficiency would reduce levels of fuel poverty, save millions for the NHS and create new jobs.
Holyrood 28th Aug 2017 read more »
Caroline Rance is a climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland: Eight years ago our Government was ambitious and progressive, its new plans look deeply disappointing and fail to respond to the urgency of the situation. Our climate targets must reflect the best science and represent our fair share of global efforts to cut emissions. That’s why we’re calling for the Scottish Climate Bill to set a legally binding target of zero emissions by 2040, and a reduction of 77 per cent by 2030. The new bill isn’t just about playing our part in the global effort; it’s also about the kind of Scotland we want to be, now and in the future. The actions needed to tackle climate change – from making our homes energy efficient, and moving away from fossil fuel vehicles to cleaner transport – can also tackle fuel poverty, create jobs, reduce inequality and build a fairer society. We also want to see real support for farmers to become greener, and a serious plan for how we transition away from those industries heavily dependent on fossil fuels. These changes are inevitable as we move to a carbon-constrained world so it is vital that the Scottish Government begins planning and ensuring they happen in a way that is fair to the workers and communities involved. Until September 22, the Government is asking people for their views on their climate plans. Ask for greater climate ambition at act.foe.scot/climate-action
Herald 29th Aug 2017 read more »
