MSPs must pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by three per cent year-on-year from now if they are to deliver a strong Climate Change Bill that saves lives, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said at a Climate Change Rally outside the Scottish Parliament.

Hundreds gathered at Holyrood to urge changes to the Scottish Climate Change Bill, which is currently going through the Scottish Parliament.

The bill promises to make an 80 per cent cut in emissions from all six greenhouse gases (not just carbon) by 2050. To this end, the bill requires ministers to set unspecified targets each year until 2020, and an annual reduction of three per cent thereafter.

But although these commitments have the potential to make a difference, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) told MSPs that they are not enough: annual targets cannot wait until 2020.

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

"Annual emission reductions of at least three percent year-on-year need to kick in straightaway. This was promised in the SNP manifesto, but is not currently reflected in the bill. This isn't something that can wait until 2020. If Scotland is to genuinely take a lead in tackling climate change, the need for urgent action is now."

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