Climate targets 'will be met'xx

Oct 24 2012

Scotland is on the right path to meet future climate change goals, despite missing its first legally binding target, the Environment Minister has said.

The first Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions Annual Target Report states that Scotland emitted 54.7 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2010, 1.1 megatons above the target set by the Climate Change Act 2009.

Paul Wheelhouse told members of Holyrood's Environment Committee he is confident that future targets will be met.

Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume asked Mr Wheelhouse if the existing climate change budget is sufficient.

The minister said: "I remain confident that we are on the right trajectory to meet the climate change targets.

"We are reliant on some external decisions. We are pushing with the UK Government for a 30% target for climate change gas reductions at European level.

"Within our own portfolio, I am confident we are doing the right thing. Ideally, if we had more money we could achieve things faster, but we are on the right path."

During a statement to the Holyrood chamber, Mr Wheelhouse said "exceptional cold snaps" were a major factor in missing the target.