Food & Health Alliance

Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing the world. Scotland is already feeling the effects as increasing global temperatures bring changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms.

The Scottish Government recognises that climate change will have far reaching effects on Scotland's economy, its people and its environment and is determined to play its part in rising to this challenge.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 introduces ambitious, world-leading legislation to reduce emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, and will drive new thinking, new solutions and new technologies putting Scotland at the forefront of building a sustainable low carbon economy.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 received Royal Assent on August 4, 2009, following a comprehensive period of Parliamentary scrutiny and amendment during the Bill process. On June 24, 2009 the Bill was passed unanimously by members of the Scottish Parliament.

The Act is a key commitment of the Scottish Government, and is the most far-reaching environmental legislation considered by the Parliament during the first ten years of devolution.

Climate change touches on every aspect of the Government's work, and the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill creates the long-term statutory framework for climate change policies in Scotland. Action is already being taken across many policy areas including energy, transport, business, agriculture and environment.

To help meet the ambitious targets set out in the Climate Change Bill, new policies and delivery mechanisms will be needed. The Climate Change Delivery Plan identifies the high level measures necessary to meet Scotland's emissions reduction targets.

The Scottish Government Travel Plan aims to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in travel related emissions by March 2011, and a 40 per cent reduction by March 2020. This will be achieved through the reduction in carbon heavy forms of transport such as car and air and an increase in sustainable forms of transport such as walking and cycling.