19.01.2017
Four parliamentary committees have launched a joint call for views on the Scottish Government’s plan on how it will meet climate change targets from 2017 to 2032.
The draft Climate Change Plan which is the third draft report on policies and proposals (known as RPP3) was published by the Scottish Government today. The Committees will also scrutinise the effectiveness of the proposals and policies to meet these targets that were set out in the Scottish Government’s first report, which covered 2010-2022 and second report, which covered 2013-2027.
The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, Local Government Committee and the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee are all seeking views ahead of evidence hearings.
The Committees’ joint call for views is asking for opinions on the following questions, as they relate to their specific remits:
- Progress to date in cutting emissions within the sector/sectors of interest and implementing the proposals and policies set out in the RPP2;
- The scale of reductions proposed within their sector/s and appropriateness and effectiveness of the proposals and policies within the draft RPP3 for meeting the annual emissions targets and contributing towards the 2020 and 2050 targets;
- The appropriateness of the timescales over which the proposals and policies within the draft RPP3 are expected to take effect
- The extent to which the proposals and policies reflect considerations about behaviour change and opportunities to secure wider benefits (e.g environmental, financial and health) from specific interventions in particular sectors.
The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee will focus on:
- Overview, development of RPP3;
- Climate change governance (including monitoring and evaluation);
- Water;
- Resource use;
- Land use (including peatlands and land use by the public sector); and
- Behaviour change.
The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will focus on:
- Rural affairs;
- Agriculture;
- Forestry; and
- Transport.
The Local Government and Communities Committee will focus on:
- Local government;
- Planning; and
- Housing.
The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee will focus on:
- Electricity generation;
- Reducing energy demand;
- Renewable energy (renewable electricity and renewable heat);
- Interconnection;
- Grid issues; and
- Fuel poverty.
Graeme Dey MSP, Convener of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, said:
“Scotland has led the way in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but we know there is more to be done. This draft plan outlines the actions required to deliver Scotland’s climate change targets as we continue to build a sustainable future. As well as taking an overview of RPP3, our Committee will take a closer look at specific areas such as how we use our land and resources, and what more we can do to influence behavioural change.”
Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, said:
“Climate change is an issue the Committee takes very seriously, particularly as two areas for which it is responsible, transport and agriculture, are major contributors to carbon emissions. In 2014 emissions from transport made up 28% of Scotland’s total, with little progress being made and figures remaining largely unchanged since 1990. Although emissions from agriculture fell by 25% between 1990 and 2014 it is acknowledged that larger reductions can be achieved in this sector. Forestry in Scotland helps emissions reduction by acting as an invaluable carbon sink - but planting targets which would assist in making an even bigger contribution are not being met. We want to hear from individuals and organisations on what further action can be taken in all of these areas to make an increased contribution to the reduction in Scotland’s carbon emissions.”
Bob Doris MSP, Convener of the Local Government and Communities Committee, said:
“Our committee will focus on housing and building standards, and planning policy as well as issues around local government and communities. We want to hear what is being done in these areas to help achieve Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets and how these policies have affected local communities around the country.”
Gordon Lindhurst MSP, Convener of the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee, said:
“The committee understands that everyone has a role to play in meeting Scotland’s climate targets – from government-level down to our communities, our local authorities and all energy generators and consumers. We want to find out more about ways that the Government can work with individuals, groups and organisations so Scotland’s economy can be more sustainable.”
Mr Lindhurst continued:
“Renewables and energy efficiency will have a central role to play in decarbonising the grid and reducing greenhouse gases. We want to hear from energy experts on the Scottish Government’s plans for decarbonising energy networks and the range of challenges and opportunities ahead. It’s crucial that their valuable knowledge, experience and expertise contributes to positive change for Scotland’s economy and its environment.”
Background
The draft third Scottish Government Report on Proposals and Policies was laid in the Parliament on 19 January 2017. Under the provisions of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Parliament has a maximum of 60 days to report on the document. Each Committee will separately consider the elements of the Report within their remit and will report directly to Parliament.