Action needed from government to reverse worrying trend of more cars on our roads, driving an increase in transport emissions
SNP Ministers "cannot be serious" if they think they are showing international leadership on climate change in light of the latest greenhouse gas emissions figures, according to Scottish Greens environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP.
Statistics published today (12 June) show an overall drop of 10 per cent in emissions between 2015 and 2016 but also show an increase in transport emissions of 2.3 per cent. Road transport emissions have increased by 7 per cent between 1990 and 2016, and now represent the largest source of emissions in Scotland.
Mark Ruskell, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, said:
“Progress on reducing the pollution that causes climate change is welcome but Scottish Ministers cannot be serious if they think they are showing international leadership given they plan to slow down the rate of action. They are trying to wriggle out of setting a zero carbon target in the new Climate Change Bill, when other countries are already pressing ahead.
"A zero carbon target will drive the innovation we need in our economy to create new jobs, build warm homes and improve public transport. In particular, we need to see action from government to reverse the worrying trend of rising numbers of cars on our roads driving an increase in transport emissions.
“Government needs to give up on building more roads and trying to give airlines tax breaks; instead it needs to listen to the public and fix the roads we already have, and invest in up-to-date buses, trains and cycle lanes to help people get on with their daily lives.”