Scotland has laid down a challenge to the rest of the world by passing the most ambitious climate change legislation of any industrialised nation.

The Scottish Parliament unanimously agreed to cut the country's emissions by 42 per cent by 2020, and at least 80 per cent by 2050, setting the benchmark for the rest of the world ahead of this year's UN Climate Change summit at Copenhagen.

The outcome represents a huge victory for the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, of which Oxfam Scotland is a part, which has been campaigning tirelessly for the past three years for a strong Scottish Bill.

Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:
"This is a truly momentous decision. The Scottish Parliament has voted for legislation that can be held up as an example to the rest of the world ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December. If Scotland can do this, why can't others? We urge world governments to follow Scotland's lead and act now to tackle the most pressing issue in our time, before it's too late."
Leading elements of the bill include:

At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)
At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels)
Emissions from international aviation & shipping to be included from the start
Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions.
Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions