In Jim Hume‘s latest newsletter to party members in South of Scotland he reproduced his speech on the environment that he gave to the Scottish Party’s Conference in Dunfermline last year. I reproduce a few points below in edited form.
“The environmental lobby have lined up to praise Scotland for our ambitious Climate Change Act and the Scottish Liberal Democrats were proud to engage constructively with the Government on this legislation. However, stakeholders are broadly in agreement that the Act will mean little unless we deliver on targets we committed ourselves to. The legislation states we must reduce our carbon emissions by 42% from 1990 levels by 202 but, our existing built environment (houses, shops, offices etc.,) as a bit of a barrier towards attempts to drive down emissions.
“Currently homes contribute around 27% of our total carbon emissions and WWF Scotland estimate that 85% of today’s homes will still be in use in 2050. It’s clear, therefore, that our emission levels will not be significantly altered without targeted intervention on the condition of all Scotland’s existing homes.
“There is little doubt about the benefits of the renewable sector. Figures from Scottish Renewables have recently shown that 11,000 people work in this sector in Scotland. It brings investment and technology innovation to our shores and jobs and wealth creation. The Green Investment Bank will be key in developing this sector even further.
“Liberal Democrats have a good track record on the environment and I believe by focusing on how we can tackle climate change as part of the UK that Scotland can make a real contribution.”
