Within hours of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) publishing its sweeping net zero emission report, the Scottish government has confirmed it will legislate to strengthen its long term emissions target and achieve net zero status by 2045.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced this morning amendments to the Climate Change Bill have been lodged to set a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest with Scotland becoming 'carbon neutral' by 2040.  

The CCC report recommended the UK set a target to achieve a net zero emission target by 2050, arguing delivering such a transition would cost just one to two per cent of GDP in mid-century even before many of the various economic co-benefits that will result from decarbonisation are considered.

However, it added that Scotland's potential to harness its abundant renewable energy resources and use large areas of land as forest carbon sinks meant it should aim for an earlier net zero target date of 2045.

Scottish Ministers today confirmed they would accept the CCC's recommendations and adopt a 2045 net zero target and new interim targets to cut emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 and 90 per cent by 2040. The govern

However, they added that the new targets were contingent on the UK adopting a net-zero greenhouse gas emission target for 2050. The UK government has welcomed the CCC's recommendations, but has said it will now take time to consider the proposed targets and respond "in due course".

Scottish Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham hailed the planned new emissions goals as the most ambitious statutory targets anywhere in the world.

"There is a global climate emergency and people across Scotland have been calling, rightly, for more ambition to tackle it and safeguard our planet for future generations," she said. "Having received independent, expert advice that even higher targets are now possible, and given the urgency required on this issue, I have acted immediately to set a target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for 2045 which will see Scotland become carbon neutral by 2040.

"I have been consistently clear that our targets must be ambitious, credible and responsible. We must take an evidence-based approach and balance our climate, economic and social responsibilities. We have already halved greenhouse gas emissions from Scotland while growing the economy, so we know we can do it. I am committed to meeting the most ambitious targets possible, and doing so while continuing to build an inclusive and fair economy."

She added that the public and private sectors needed to work together to ensure the targets are met. "Every single one of us now needs to take more action - not just the Scottish Government but also all businesses, schools, communities, individuals and organisations," she said. "The UK Government must also act. The Committee on Climate Change say that Scotland's ability to meet these world-leading targets is contingent on the UK government also accepting their advice and using the relevant policy levers that remain reserved. As such, I call on the UK Government to follow our lead, accept the Committee's advice, and work with us to achieve this goal."

Green groups were quick to welcome the Scottish government's rapid support for the new net zero goal.

Writing on Twitter, chief executive of the CCC Chris Stark also welcomed the news, declaring "Well. That was quick".

However, Ministers can also expect to face urgent questions over how they plan to decarbonise Scotland's oil sector and heavy industry in line with the new targets.

The CCC report emphasised that while renewables, energy efficiency measures, and electric vehicles can play a critical role in decarbonising buildings and transport, significant investment in emerging carbon capture technologies and changes in land use are required to help carbon intensive industries achieve net zero emission status.

Trade unions and industrial groups have also warned new R&D support will be required to ensure a 'just transition' that does not result in sweeping closures and job losses in carbon intensive industries.

However, Cunningham urged all sectors of the economy to now work with the government to develop an ambitious and credible net zero strategy.

"We can, and we must, end our contribution to climate change," she said. "I invite everyone to accept the advice we've received and work with us in a just and fair transition to a net-zero economy."