Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is today [Wednesday 6 May] calling on MSPs from all parties to show their support for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill, as the Stage 1 Debate gets underway in the Scottish Parliament.

The SCCS coalition is looking for MSPs to deliver a strong Bill by addressing loopholes identified in the Scottish Parliament’s Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (TICC) Committee Stage 1 Report, published on Friday 24 April.

Critically important recommendations made by the Committee include:

• a requirement for stronger early action in order to deliver the necessary reductions of greenhouse gases
• making sure carbon reductions happen in Scotland rather than through buying international carbon credits
• a new interim target brought forward to 2020 to drive Scotland towards a low-carbon economy
• measuring the climate change impact of the things we buy from overseas, as well as direct emissions from Scotland.

Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said:

The ball is now in the Scottish Government’s court. This is the real test. We need to see where the rhetoric ends and the action begins. The TICC committee report has made clear recommendations on how they can close the loopholes and make the Bill tougher and more effective. I hope Ministers grab the opportunity with both hands. SCCS’s 2 million supporters will be hoping so too.

Duncan McLaren, from Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

If this Bill is to set a credible example for the nations of the world gathering at UN climate meetings in Copenhagen in December, action has to start immediately. Cuts of at least three per cent a year must begin in 2010. The science demands nothing less.

Liz Murray, Head of Scottish campaigns at the World Development Movement, said:

The onus is on the rich, industrialised nations, such as Scotland, to take the action necessary to stop dangerous climate change and ensure climate justice for the world's poorest. The Scottish climate bill must set an interim target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that this happens. Only with a strong bill that sets the standard for action by developed countries can we hope to build the trust necessary with developing countries at the United Nations negotiations for a global agreement in Copenhagen in December.