Three months ahead of the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, Scotland has laid down the challenge to governments to take action by approving the most ambitious piece of climate legislation in the world.

The ground-breaking law sets vital international precedents and an example for other wealthy nations to follow ahead December’s conference in Copenhagen.

“We hope this legislation marks the beginning of a massive shift in priorities for governments across the world,” says Lesley-Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis. “Industrialised countries have a moral obligation to change their habits and give poorer nations a chance to develop. If we don’t act now, the droughts and floods which seem so distant to us now, will one day be on everyone’s doorsteps.”

The new legislation enshrines in law Scotland’s obligation to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Other rich countries need to adopt similar cuts to their emissions if catastrophic climate change is to be averted.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Bill was unanimously voted through the Scottish Parliament on 24th June this year. Leading elements of the Scottish Act include:

• At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)
  
• At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels)
  
• Emissions from international aviation & shipping must be included;
  
• Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions;
  
• Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Scotland’s most senior Catholic clergyman and climate change campaigner said, “Scotland is setting a crucial example to the rich countries of the world in efforts to prevent the unnecessary suffering of millions of innocent people through ever-worsening climate change.

The scientific consensus is clear; unless rich nations make early and deep cuts to their emissions, as Scotland has agreed to do, the situation will get much worse.

“Scotland has had the courage to set a vital international precedent with its Climate Change (Scotland) Act. Others must follow this lead now if we are to have a long, safe, and prosperous future for humanity on earth,” he said.

The Copenhagen climate change conference hopes to give governments the opportunity to shape an effective international response to climate change.

For more information, please contact Michelle Hough on +39 06 69879721/+39 334 2344136 or hough@caritas.va