Scotland: Corporate giants step up calls for net zero emissions target

Eleven leading global businesses have today called on the Scottish Parliament to "seize the opportunity" presented by the low carbon transition and strengthen the country's long term greenhouse gas emissions targets.

Tesco, Sky, SSE, ScottishPower, Vattenfall, and Coca-Cola GB, as well as the Corporate Leaders Group, are among the groups backing the new statement, which appears in today's Herald.

"Businesses like ours need the right enabling frameworks and clear direction from governments to support low carbon investment and innovation to end our contribution to climate change once and for all," the statement reads. "Scotland, with its proud tradition of innovation, a wealth of natural resources and a track record on climate change, has an opportunity to rise to this challenge and provide the necessary leadership."

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering a new Climate Change Bill, which proposes strengthening the country's long term targets in order to cut emissions 90 per cent by 2050. It also includes a commitment to periodically review the target with a view to strengthening it further and eventually adopting a net zero emissions goal.

However, green campaigners argued the proposed targets did not go far enough and a firm net zero emission target should be put in place for 2050 at the latest.

Today's statement signals business support for strengthening the target, in line with the recommendations from the IPCC group of scientists and the Paris Agreement commitment to keep temperature increases 'well below' 2C.

"The Paris Agreement is a landmark for international action on climate change," it states. "It commits nations to limit global temperature rise to well below 2C, with efforts to limit this to 1.5C. This means all nations must aim for net zero emissions around mid-century. Advanced economies like Scotland must do this by 2050 at the latest.

"We hope the Scottish Parliament seizes the chance to renew its position as a climate leader in the Climate Change Bill and look forward to working with government, businesses and people in Scotland to build a climate-safe future for all."

The move comes as WWF Scotland released the results of a survey of 300 businesses with a presence in Scotland, which revealed a majority of large firms believe "the required and urgent response to climate change presents an economic opportunity".

"These polling results are striking and show that the Scottish spirit of adapting and innovating in response to global challenges is alive and well in our business community," said Sam Gardner, Deputy Director of WWF Scotland. "Businesses are recognising that to thrive into the future the challenge of climate change must be tackled head on and embraced.

"Tackling climate change means developing new, innovative products, increasing efficiencies and developing business models that are aligned with a climate safe future.  Customer are increasingly looking to businesses to demonstrate their stake in a better, safer future, and forward-thinking organisations are responding with greener options for consumers.

"In order for business to thrive in the transition to a net zero emissions world they need clarity and consistency from government.  The climate bill in front of the Scottish Parliament is a welcome opportunity to provide that framework but it must be strengthened if it is to match the science and provide the leadership that helps attract investment and stimulate innovation."

The news comes just days after the Scottish government announced it has finalised the line-up for its Just Transition Commission, which will advise ministers on how to decarbonise in a way that does not leave key industries and communities stranded.

A further eight members have been appointed to the group, which is chaired by Professor Jim Skea.

"The collective breadth of expertise that our Just Transition Commission members bring reflect the social and economic issues, as well as the many opportunities, we will encounter as we transition to carbon neutrality," said Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham. "They will also reach out to hear the opinions of people across the country.

"Scotland is recognised as a world-leader in tackling climate change and our approach to securing a just transition is no exception. I am absolutely determined that no part of our society is left behind as we move forward with decarbonisation and look forward to working with the Commission to make that a reality."