McArthur sets out response to embargoed climate report

Speaking ahead of the publication of the Climate Change Committee's embargoed report Progress in Reducing Emissions in Scotland 2023, which notes that there is now no credible route to Scotland reducing its emissions by 75% by 2030, that there is no comprehensive strategy for Scotland to decarbonise towards Net Zero and that Scotland has missed its annual target eight times in the past 12 years, Scottish Liberal Democrat climate emergency spokesperson Liam McArthur said:

“These figures deal a blow to our climate goals. Experts on the UK Climate Change Committee have thrown a bucket of cold water over any claim nationalist ministers had to climate leadership. They are very clear that in devolved policy areas there is much to do while questions must be asked about the effectiveness of green ministers in government as target after target is missed.

“The Scottish Government needs to get serious about turning this situation around and getting us back on track. This should include kicking off a national insulation programme to bring down bills and emissions; expanding tree planting and installing thousands more EV chargers.

“Rather than setting himself up as the defender of super profits in the oil and gas sector, Humza Yousaf must now start to walk the talk when it comes to Scotland’s climate ambitions.”