Scotland leads 30% carbon reduction charge

Scotland will lobby the EU to enforce a European carbon reduction target of 30% by 2020. Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said the EU had to make changes […]

Scotland will lobby the EU to enforce a European carbon reduction target of 30% by 2020.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said the EU had to make changes to keep up with developing countries: “The evidence from Scotland strongly supports the economic case being made for such a change. Despite the lack of an international climate change agreement, major players such as China and India are pressing ahead with investment, and the European Union simply cannot afford to be left behind.

Mr Stevenson said there were plenty of economic advantages as well as environmental benefits: “Governments across the world are increasingly realising the opportunities presented by low carbon technologies – job, investment and trade prospects as well as energy security and environmental benefits. This means the global low carbon economy isn’t just sensible, but is inevitable.”

The EU is currently committed to a 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Mr Stevenson met with environment ministers from UK, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia and Spain who also want to see more ambition with regard to emission reductions within the EU.

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