This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Young Scots respond to climate change
30/06/2005
Scotland is serious about climate change and will set
targets to prove it, school pupils from across Scotland
were told today.
They met First Minister Jack McConnell and Environment
Minister Ross Finnie to receive prizes from a number of
competitions focused on the theme of climate change. The
winners of the Learning Teaching Scotland On-line Climate
Change competition are:
- 1st - Donibristle Primary, Dalgety Bay
- 2nd - Dalry Primary School, Dumfries and
Galloway
- 3rd - Bankhead Primary, Rutherglen
The First Minister said:
"It is clear that we must act now to tackle climate
change - the single most important long-term threat facing
our planet. The consequences of doing nothing will be
catastrophic for the entire world.
"The world needs to act, and in a few days time the G8
Scotland will have the opportunity to take historic
decisions on tackling climate change.
"It is also important that we clarify the position in
Scotland. Individual countries can lead the way, and make a
difference, which is why we are going to set our own,
challenging climate change targets in areas of devolved
responsibility.
"We are now establishing exactly what these targets will
be. The targets will be designed to encourage all sections
of society to reduce the CO2 emissions that cause climate
change and they will also look at ways all of us can live
more sustainable lives."
Mr Finnie also took the opportunity to tell the young
competition winners that their awareness and enthusiasm
will be key to delivering Scotland's response to climate
change.
Speaking at the award ceremony at Our Dynamic Earth in
Edinburgh, Mr Finnie said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to tackling climate
change and we are developing our revised Scottish Climate
Change Programme so that Scotland will strengthen its
contribution to wider international efforts.
"I am pleased to see here today Scotland's young people
taking such a keen interest in what is one of the most
important issues facing the world today. I will ensure that
these contributions relating to flood prevention, energy
efficiency, recycling, and transport will be considered and
will help to inform our new Programme.
"I would also like to reassert my own commitment to
tackling climate change. I am delighted that the First
Minister has today announced the Executive's intention to
introduce sector-related targets. We will work to develop a
robust action plan to deliver targets for transport and
energy sectors among others as soon as possible."
The competition winners at the event took part in an
on-line scenario-based competition and were joined by the
winners of the Perth & Kinross banner making and speech
writing competition.
The Scottish Climate Change Programme was published in
November 2000 and sets out a range of regulatory, voluntary
and educational measures aimed at tackling climate
change.
A formal review of the Programme was launched in autumn
2004 and is considering the scope for strengthening
existing measures and introducing new ones to ensure
Scotland continues to make its contribution to UK climate
change commitments.
A consultation on the review was launched on December 2,
2004 and the Terms of Reference contained within stated
that the Executive would publish a revised Programme in the
first half of 2005. The consultation, which closed on
February 25, received 397 responses which are now being
analysed. A summary of responses is due to be published
later this summer.
Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland met on May
11, 2005 to discuss the review of the Scottish Programme
and in particular how the Executive should proceed with its
assessment of the practicability of Scottish climate change
targets.
It agreed that targets were desirable and that a final
decision would be taken on the basis of further analytical
work. It also agreed that the revised Programme should be a
framework document, trailing the possible new policies to
be pursued.