Reaction to Scotland missing its annual climate target

Man standing in front of cattle in Ethiopia

New figures released today by the Scottish Government have revealed that Scotland has missed its climate change target in 2019.

The latest statistics show a reduction of 51.5% in greenhouse gases in 2019 from the baseline period, despite Scottish  legislation calling for a 55% reduction.

Although emissions are falling year on year, it is the third year a row that Scotland has failed to meet its legally binding target, with annual targets in 2017 and 2018 also being missed.

Responding to the figures, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “On the eve of the most significant global climate talks for years being hosted in Glasgow, the Scottish Government has scored a hattrick of own goals by missing its annual emissions targets three years in a row.

“Climate change is wrecking lives, homes and communities, and pushing people deeper into poverty. While emissions fell year on year, we can afford no more excuses, no more empty promises and no more missed targets. Countries around the world, including Scotland, must deliver on their pledges to slash their own emissions while putting their hands in their pockets to help those least able to cope with the unfolding climate devastation which Scotland helped cause and continues to make worse.” 

/ENDS

For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450  

Notes to Editor

  • Oxfam Scotland is urging the Scottish Government to quickly deliver upon the SNP’s manifesto commitment to double Scotland’s Climate Justice Fund, while signalling strong intent to raise the money needed by taxing high-emitters, high incomes or wealth.
  • The Fund  has remained frozen at £3m a year since 2016, losing value when it is needed most, despite  Scotland’s Climate Change Act committing to supporting the people “most affected by climate change but who have done the least to cause it and are the least equipped to adapt to its effects”.