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Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
SNP vow to 'not ask the impossible' of Scots as watered down climate targets revealed
SNP ministers will publish its new climate change plan by the end of 2025 - two years later than promised. Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... SNP ministers have vowed to 'not ask the impossible' of Scots or 'sacrifice people's health or wealth' after charting a new path to net zero with weakened targets. The Scottish Government was forced to admit that the previously-agreed legal target to cut 1990 levels of pollution by 75 per cent by 2030 was no longer achievable, but has kept its 2045 net zero ambition intact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Government has charted a new path to cutting carbon emissions | Johnston Press Statistics released last week revealed that Scotland has cut harmful carbon emissions by 51.3 per cent since 1990. The Scottish Government has argued that the old targets and the new ambitions cannot be compared as the new metrics are five-year averages. The 2030 target, previously 75 per cent, has been lowered to 57 per cent as an average aim from 2026 and 2030. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The draft targets, still to be approved by MSPs, states that emissions will be cut by 69 per cent by 2035 as a five-year average measure between 2030 and 2035, 80 per cent by 2040 and 94 per cent in the five years up to and including 2045 when net zero will be achieved. The initial targets, set by MSPs in 2019, stated that pollution should be cut by 100 per cent by 2045. Despite the 94 per cent target, the net zero definition is not being changed and a 100 per cent reduction will still be required. READ MORE: Scots could face more drastic transport and heating rules amid 2045 net zero fears Once approved by MSPs, the Scottish Government will publish a new draft climate change plan by the end of the year - coming two years later than promised. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Climate Action and Energy Secretary, Gillian Martin, said: 'These carbon budgets will set clear limits on emissions for the coming decades in line with the independent advice of the UK Climate Change Committee. 'When we publish our draft climate change plan later this year, it will set out the policies needed to continue to reduce our emissions and meet our first three carbon budget targets. Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin | Andrew Milligan/PA Wire 'It will not ask the impossible of people. We will not sacrifice people's health or wealth.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But the Scottish Government has been criticised for ignoring the CCC advice over livestock and peatland. Scottish Greens co-leader, Patrick Harvie, labelled the "deeply troubling' move as 'yet another step away from evidence-based climate policy'. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie | Andrew Milligan/Press Association He added: 'The UKCCC is clear - we can reach Scotland's 2045 target. But that will only happen if we are brave enough to have less words and more action to get the job done.' Claire Daly, head of policy and advocacy at WWF Scotland, warned that 'these commitments will remain merely lines on a page without strong action to back them up', pointing to 'measures to support clean heating in our homes and the transition to more climate- and nature-friendly agriculture'. Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: 'Cutting emissions won't come on the cheap. Scotland needs real investment in warmer homes, more affordable public transport and cleaner energy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Scottish ministers seem to recognise that spending more now will save far more down the line but they're holding back from making the bold funding choices needed.
The National
18-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Have your say on plans to expand offshore wind capacity in Scotland
Proposals from the Scottish Government would see the country's offshore wind capacity increase to up to 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2040 – enough to power the equivalent of around 45 million homes a year. Scotland's current offshore wind capacity ambition is between 8 and 11 GW by 2030 and the Scottish Government says the new figure seeks to reaffirm its commitment to growing the sector. Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin announced the opening of the consultation at the Global Offshore Wind Forum in London on Wednesday. READ MORE: Scotland can 'go beyond mitigating Westminster' with minimum income guarantee Martin said: 'Scotland's offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country. 'As a result we need to update our ambition for offshore wind to reflect and firmly underline our commitment to economic growth and investment offered by the sector. 'I would urge everyone with an interest in offshore wind to have a say in the consultation.' As well as supporting national climate targets, the increase being consulted upon reflects significant private sector interest in the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds, the Government said. Ministers said the success of these leasing rounds symbolises "the enormous economic potential of offshore wind" and puts Scotland "at the forefront of development globally". The consultation document says: "We want to see the maximum possible deployment of the Scottish offshore wind project pipeline, whilst balancing the impact on the marine environment and other marine users. READ MORE: LIVE: Fans gather for Kneecap member Mo Chara's court appearance "Now is the right time to highlight key achievements and developments since 2020, and to set out an updated ambition for Scotland alongside our plans to ensure that the benefits of offshore wind will be felt for generations to come." The consultation will run until August 13. To share your views, click here.
Edinburgh Reporter
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish Cabinet reduced in reshuffle
John Swinney has as expected reshuffled his cabinet today. Màiri McAllan has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Housing upon her return to government from maternity leave. Ms McAllan has responsibility for all aspects of housing policy, including heat in buildings. The government says this appointment will ensure government action is focused on tackling the housing emergency and providing energy efficient homes for the future – helping stimulate economic growth, deliver Net Zero commitments and tackle child poverty. Gillian Martin has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, having held the portfolio during Ms McAllan's maternity leave. After the sad death of Christina McKelvie in March, Maree Todd will become Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, while retaining her existing responsibility for Sport. Tom Arthur has been appointed as Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing. According to the First Minister, Housing Minister Paul McLennan has requested to leave The Scottish Government and he does so today. Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan will leave Government at the end of this week, having indicated that he only wished to serve on an interim basis. Excluding the Law Officers, the overall size of government reduces to 23, down from 27 in May 2024. First Minister John Swinney said: 'Scotland's strengths lie in our people, our communities and our resolve to leave a better future, and better country for the next generation. As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a government that unlocks the potential for every person in Scotland to thrive. 'I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us to realise that potential. Màiri McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency. These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change. 'Following the sad passing of Christina McKelvie, I have asked Maree Todd to take on responsibility for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. This government has shown it is not afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we must redouble our efforts. 'I want to thank Paul McLennan and Alasdair Allan for the service they have provided to me, the government and to the people of Scotland. They both held two very important Ministerial appointments in housing and climate action and have helped to drive forward progress in tackling two issues which are central to Scotland's long-term success as a nation.' Bute House Charlotte Square Like this: Like Related
