Global warming and climate change represent one of the most significant threats to the wellbeing of our planet and our continued way of life. In Scotland, our low carbon transition is well underway. Emissions have almost halved since 1990 and Scotland continues to outperform the UK in delivering reductions.
Setting a 90% reduction target for all greenhouse gases now means net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050. Scotland will be carbon neutral.
The Scottish Government aim to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032 – eight years ahead of the target set by the UK government. This will be delivered by electrifying the road network and doubling investment in Active Travel to £80 million per year from next year.
The Scottish Government has committed £60 million to the Innovation Fund to support the delivery of innovative low carbon energy infrastructure projects, such as electric vehicle charging or sustainable heating systems.
As the UK prepares to leave the EU, my SNP colleagues and I will continue to press the UK Government to ensure there is no reduction in environmental legal protections once EU law ceases to have effect in this area.
