Scotland ‘not on track to reach low carbon goals’

Scotland is not on track to achieve its low carbon ambitions. That’s according to a new report by environmental charity Green Alliance. It states future progress is hindered by current […]

Scotland is not on track to achieve its low carbon ambitions.

That’s according to a new report by environmental charity Green Alliance.

It states future progress is hindered by current infrastructure.

The report claims Scotland is also not on track to meet its target of  80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

It adds it is unlikely to meet the aims of a largely decarbonised heat sector and a zero waste economy by 2050.

The country needs to increase its low carbon infrastructure spend by at least 20% in order to keep global warming below 2°C.

The paper recommends a re-orientation of all policy and investment decisions towards a low carbon future and decreasing spend on neutral and high carbon projects.

It adds Scotland is currently in a “good position” to increase investment now.

The report went on to say failing to do so will “lock [the country] in high emissions and vulnerability to the multiple impacts of climate change”.

This will leave buildings, roads and energy generation infrastructure “expensive to adapt in the future”.

The report states the Scottish Government is “well aware of the challenge in addressing climate change” and has a “comprehensive suite of low carbon targets in place”.

It also states the country compares “relatively well” in a global assessment but it is still “some way off” the level needed to do its part in limiting global warming to 2°C”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We acknowledge this report’s recognition of the Scottish Government’s achievements in areas like renewables but recognise the need for comprehensive approach to low carbon infrastructure.

“Establishing Scotland as a low carbon place is already a central theme of Scotland’s National Planning Framework.”

The International Energy Agency recently said governments aren’t doing enough to limit global temperatures.

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