Scottish Climate Change Bill
Act now to demand a stronger Bill - 4 key 'asks'

Briefing No. 181 April 2008

Introduction

UNISON Scotland is urging support for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on its proposals, with a deadline for responses of 23 April 2008. This briefing aims to encourage branches and members to support four key 'asks' - an 80% target for cutting carbon emissions by 2050; statutory annual reductions of at least 3% per year; include emissions from international aviation and shipping; strong targets for the public sector to lead by example, with negotiated green workplace action.

UNISON Scotland is part of the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) coalition. Environmental groups, faith organisations, trade unions and other members have all welcomed the Bill as a pioneering opportunity to develop a legal framework for managing carbon emissions. At a time when urgent international action is required, the Bill creates an opportunity for Scotland to be a world leader.

UNISON sees the Bill's 80% target for cutting carbon emissions by 2050 as the minimum necessary, according to the latest science. However, we believe it is essential to commit to statutory annual reductions of at least 3% per year. Without this, there is a risk of early delays and inaction, meaning much more challenging reductions in future years. A multi-year budget also allows a Government to potentially shift responsibility onto its successor, reducing accountability and undermining confidence in meeting overall targets.

We also support including emissions from international aviation and shipping. Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse emissions in the UK. The Scottish Government says there is no international agreement on how to allocate aviation emissions to individual states. But the UK government reports them to the UN under the requirements of the Kyoto protocol and they are on the DEFRA website. The impact of shipping on climate change has been seriously underestimated and it is important that action is taken in this area too.

Public Sector and Green Workplace action

Scotland's public services have a vital role to play. More carbon emissions are generated in the workplace than at home, with two thirds of emissions work related. We want to see the Bill include strong Government support for public sector targets on cutting emissions, to lead by example. In particular the Bill should encourage initiatives involving unions and the workforce in negotiated green workplace agreements to dramatically cut carbon footprints.

Act now! Support the 4 asks.

Respond to the consultation supporting the 4 asks by clicking on www.unison-scotland.org.uk/greenworkplace

Or read the consultation/respond at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/28100005/0

Green Workplace Briefing: www.unison-scotland.org.uk/briefings/greenworkplace.html

Environment Manifesto & 10 point action plan: www.unison-scotland.org.uk/greenworkplace

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland: www.stopclimatechaosscotland.org

Contacts list:

Fiona Montgomery
f.montgomery@unison.co.uk

Dave Watson
d.watson@unison.co.uk

@P&I Team

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Tel 0845 355 0845

Fax 0141 331 1203

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