Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 07 December 2011
07 Dec 2011 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
I will not take that long.
Scotland has committed itself to ambitious climate targets, with 80 per cent emission reductions by 2050. The Greens believe that our targets should be met as a result of our efforts in Scotland, through important actions such as widespread energy efficiency schemes and the promotion of walking and cycling. However, the order enables us to buy in carbon credits that represent promised carbon reductions in other countries, which is something that we consistently opposed during the passage of the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill. The Government says that it does not intend to use those powers. We welcome that commitment but, in that case, why lay the order?
If we end up spending money on buying the credits that the order allows us to, it will make our carbon accounts look good but will not provide for the people of Scotland the many other social, environmental and economic benefits that low-carbon investment can bring. For example, investment in cycling would improve people’s health through physical activity and reduced air pollution.
Some argue that carbon credits can support developing countries and that we have a moral obligation to support others to take a low-carbon development path. That support should be provided not through carbon credits, but grants to support community-level projects, and the Government has promised to explore that through a climate adaptation fund. We look forward to seeing its proposals on that.
For those reasons, we oppose the order.
17:44
Scotland has committed itself to ambitious climate targets, with 80 per cent emission reductions by 2050. The Greens believe that our targets should be met as a result of our efforts in Scotland, through important actions such as widespread energy efficiency schemes and the promotion of walking and cycling. However, the order enables us to buy in carbon credits that represent promised carbon reductions in other countries, which is something that we consistently opposed during the passage of the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill. The Government says that it does not intend to use those powers. We welcome that commitment but, in that case, why lay the order?
If we end up spending money on buying the credits that the order allows us to, it will make our carbon accounts look good but will not provide for the people of Scotland the many other social, environmental and economic benefits that low-carbon investment can bring. For example, investment in cycling would improve people’s health through physical activity and reduced air pollution.
Some argue that carbon credits can support developing countries and that we have a moral obligation to support others to take a low-carbon development path. That support should be provided not through carbon credits, but grants to support community-level projects, and the Government has promised to explore that through a climate adaptation fund. We look forward to seeing its proposals on that.
For those reasons, we oppose the order.
17:44
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Tricia Marwick)
NPA
The next item of business is consideration of two Parliamentary Bureau motions. I call Bruce Crawford to move motion S4M-01519, on the designation of a lead ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question on the motion will be put at decision time.I ask Bruce Crawford to move motion S4M-01520, on the approval of a Scottish statutory instrument, th...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Alison Johnstone has indicated that she wishes to speak against the motion. Ms Johnstone, you have three minutes.17:42
Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Green)
Green
I will not take that long. Scotland has committed itself to ambitious climate targets, with 80 per cent emission reductions by 2050. The Greens believe that ...
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment (Richard Lochhead)
SNP
The Scottish Government—and, I believe, the rest of the members of this Parliament—are proud of the ambitious climate change targets that we have collectivel...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I regret that Mr Lochhead’s contribution was interrupted by a mobile phone. I remind all members that when they come in to the chamber, their phones should b...