Climate change campaign success is thanks to you

After years of action by SCIAF supporters and the publication of landmark independent advice, the Scottish Government has committed to deliver radical new cuts to Scotland’s greenhouse gases by 2045 so we play our part in tackling climate change.

The report from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) echoed our calls for action on the issue and offers serious scientific grounding to SCIAF’s claims that Scotland and the UK can be world leaders in tackling the changing climate.

As a result, the Scottish Government has announced it will commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 in the climate change bill going through parliament now. This means any carbon emissions released into the atmosphere will be offset by measures such as planting trees to absorb the harmful gasses.

Support from you in getting this commitment from the Government has been invaluable. By signing up to our postcard campaigns, lobbying your politicians in person and online, you have helped bring this issue to the forefront of politics and changed hearts and minds.

Inspired by the call of Pope Francis to act as stewards of creation by caring for our environment and the poorest in the developing world who face losing their lives and livelihoods due to climate change, you have brought a new element to this debate.

The importance of this new target cannot be understated. It ensures Scotland will play its part in keeping global warming below the threshold of 1.5C and takes a big step towards ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change.

The Chief Executive of the CCC, Chris Stark, reflected this when he said:

This report would have been absolutely inconceivable just a few years ago. People would have laughed us out of court for suggesting that the target could be so high.”

In other words, campaigning has changed the debate. By highlighting the injustice of the plight of our brothers and sisters in the developing world who have done least to cause climate change yet suffer because of it, you have made a difference. We are so grateful for all that you have done.

Our campaign for climate justice is far from over but today we can take stock of just how far we have come, thanks to your support.