Climate Change in Scotland

In December 2008, the Scottish Government introduced a Climate Change Bill and invited comments on the proposed legislation.

The Scottish Bill sets an interim target of a 50% reduction in man made greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2050. These targets can be achieved but will require immediate action through strong national and international policies and a public consensus on saving energy through lifestyle changes. Investment in research and in the development of a skilled workforce will be required so that future sustainable energy technologies can be developed.

Chemistry will have a large role to play in providing these solutions by providing energy efficient products and processes; decarbonised transport (through the development of highly efficient biofuels, lightweight construction materials, hybrid and electric vehicles and battery and fuel cell technologies); electricity from renewable energy sources; and carbon capture and storage technology.

The RSC response called for a strategy for adaptation to climate change, increased support for renewable energy projects, new measures to tackle energy efficiency and the development of a framework to incentivise recycling.