Transform Scotland has today issued a parliamentary briefing to all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) ahead of this afternoon’s debate on the climate emergency.
The debate comes following the Government’s recent decision to ditch its climate targets.
Read our briefing below, which highlights the urgent need for action in the transport sector.
Key points
- Transport remains the largest source of climate emissions in Scotland, accounting for 36% of the total – with next to no emissions reductions in the sector over the past 30 years.
- The lack of concrete action to cut traffic is severely hindering Scotland’s ability to meet its legally-binding climate targets.
- Recent cuts to active and public transport investments are undermining progress.
- To achieve climate targets, the Scottish Government must accelerate plans for traffic reduction with clear policies and specific budget allocations.
Policy officer Laura Hyde-White said:
“As a devolved issue, Scottish Ministers have more than enough power to tackle emissions from transport, the largest source of climate emissions.
“Scotland has world-leading commitments to cut car traffic and increase support for walking, wheeling and cycling – but we must now see action from the Scottish Government to translate these into action on the ground.”