UK CLIMATE CHANGE BILL

Sustainable Development Commission seminar

26 November 2008

Elizabeth BairdClimate Change Division

Scottish Government1

Overview

• UK Climate Change Bill – key elements

• What the UK Bill means for Scotland

• Scrutiny of UK Bill

2

UK Bill – key elements

• Targets for emissions reduction– 80% GHG by 2050, >26% CO2 by 2020

• Carbon budgets

• Committee on Climate Change

• Enabling powers for trading schemes

• Adaptation

• Reporting

3

Scotland’s role in UK Bill

Targets and carbon budgets

• Duty placed on Secretary of State but …

• SG action contributes towards target

• Scottish Ministers to be consulted on:– amending targets– setting and amending carbon budgets

• SG to determine mechanisms

4

Scotland’s role in UK Bill

Committee on Climate Change

• Joint sponsorship and appointments

• Advises all administrations on UK targets and carbon budgets

• Scottish Ministers can seek advice on own targets

5

Scotland’s role in UK Bill

Enabling powers

• New powers to establish trading schemes

• Separately or jointly

• Flexibility

6

Scotland’s role in UK Bill

Adaptation

• UK-wide risk assessment• SG not participating in other powers/duties• Working with UK partners at strategic level• Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation

Framework

7

Westminster scrutiny

Purpose

Targets and budgets• 2050 target level• CO2/GHG• International aviation and shipping• Annual milestones

International credits/domestic action

8

Westminster scrutiny

Committee on Climate Change

Adaptation• Adaptation Sub Committee• Additional powers/duties

Corporate carbon disclosure

9