Our target is for a low carbon world
commentators calling for a ‘net zero’ target by 2040 – yes, that is aspirational, but if it is beyond the current “limit of feasibility” as stated by the experts, then surely it is better to be honest about what we currently think we can achieve, and keep that under review as technology develops.
Are these commentators seriously proposing that we set legally binding over-ambitious targets and potentially make rapid and radical changes which could harm our economy and have implications for jobs?
Even the manufacturing of renewables emits greenhouse gases currently.
And, one of the basics; if we reduce emissions from domestic farming without the development of appropriate technology then we would reduce the amount of food produced here. We would increase our imports – that’s hardly global thinking!
There is talk of how a handful of other countries have set a ‘net zero’ target – yes, they have, but their plans require further scrutiny.
For example, purchase of foreign carbon credits – Scotland’s goal is to achieve credible targets through domestic effort rather than paying other countries to make emission reductions on our behalf!
Scotland will maintain a fair share of all international aviation and shipping emissions in the targets – no other country does that.
Scotland will maintain emissions from land-use and forestry counting towards our targets – this is something that many other countries exclude.
We need a smooth transition to a low or zero-carbon future and that can’t be achieved overnight.
It can’t be achieved by forcing rapid and drastic change in the way we live; we all have to move forward together, co-operatively.
I am confident that we can achieve our long-term goal of a ‘net-zero’ carbon target by taking achievable and realistic steps to advance our bold and ambitious plans.
I am even more confident of this when I listen to the commitment that our young people express when talking about our country and our global responsibility.
We already have excellent companies in East Kilbride that have voluntarily worked towards lowering emissions and caring for our environment.
We are on the right track, and East Kilbride has an important part to play.
We need a smooth transition to a low or zero-carbon future and that can’t be achieved overnight...