McInnes calls for climate action

12.36.00pm GMT Tue 29th Jan 2008

Liberal Democrat Climate Change spokesperson Alison McInnes has called on the Scottish Government to back up their warm words about climate change with real action.

The Scottish Government will today formally launch a Climate Change Bill with the headline target of an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"Once again, this government is full of warm words about tackling climate change, but sadly lacking in real action.

"One of the SNP's first actions in government was to drop their manifesto commitment to mandatory annual targets of cuts in carbon emissions.

"Although I am pleased that Ministers have set targets to cut emissions and boost renewables, the SNP Budget does not reassure me that this government is serious about tackling climate change.

"The government's stated aspiration to make Scotland a "world leader" in green energy and a "renewables powerhouse" is not matched by the modest budget for Energy and Climate Change. The SNP has increased funding for motorways, yet slashed funding for public transport, and environmental groups have said categorically that the SNP's policies will not achieve the promised emission cuts.

"It's time for SNP Ministers to put their money where their mouth is and give real, concrete backing to tackling climate change in Scotland."