The Scottish Government's proposed Climate Bill could raise the bar for the rest of the UK and the EU, according to a new Oxfam report. However, if Scotland is to become a standard bearer in the fight against climate change globally the government must make good its manifesto promises on climate change and encourage others to follow their example.

The report, Forecast for Tomorrow says Scottish Government climate plans could result in the most demanding statutory emissions-reduction targets in the world but warns that the UK and Scottish governments, public and private sectors must act together to ensure the UK turns away from high-polluting policies and projects that would threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of poor people around the world.

Oxfam Scotland's Campaigns Manager, Eilidh Whiteford said," Changes to climate are already hurting millions of the world's poorest people. Oxfam is dealing with more natural disasters year on year; floods, cyclones and storms are affecting on average over 250 million people a year. If the Scottish Government wants to play an international role in helping the lives of poor people their most important first step is to deliver a strong Climate Bill that inspires others to follow their example. We want them to honour their commitments to cut emissions by 80% by 2050 and introduce mandatory annual cuts of at least three percent. "

The Scottish Government should: Deliver a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill that honours its manifesto promises on climate to cut green house gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and introduce mandatory annual cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 3 per cent per year.

The UK Government should:

• Strengthen current UK emissions targets to cut emissions by 80% by 2050 and include all greenhouse gases not just CO2
• Reject plans for a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent
• Drop biofuel targets given their links to global food shortages

The private sector should:

• Build on world-beating examples of good practice from companies such as BT and Marks & Spencer that are demonstrating the path to a low carbon future
• Stop pursuing carbon intensive projects such as E.ON's plan to build a new coal fired power station at Kingsnorth, Kent that will push carbon emissions to dangerous levels. The proposed plant's emissions are estimated to be more than the combined output of 30 developing countries

Last year, Oxfam responded to escalating numbers of climatic crises, including the worst floods in Africa in three decades and massive floods in South Asia and Mexico. The total number of natural disasters has quadrupled in the last two decades, most of them floods, cyclones and storms, with the number of people affected having increased from 174 million to an average of over 250 million a year. Only by rich countries making the right decisions at home and leading by example can we hope to secure an equitable global deal to reduce emissions and secure a future for generations to come.

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