Reduce emissions within a sustainable development framework

Achieving climate change is truly a global endeavour. A reduction in emissions should be achieved without endangering the environment or livelihood of others. Reductions cannot be achieved by putting vulnerable people's livelihoods at risk (e.g. through replacing oil with second generation biofuels).

Mitigation and adaptation efforts must avoid negative social, economic or environmental impacts in the devloping world. Scotland could lead the world in this area by explicitely stating that it will achieve ambitious emission reduction targets whilest maintaing a committment for sustainable development.

The UK Act refers to the need to have regard to sustainable development in parts, but does not have sustainable development mainstreamed into the legislation.

Scotland should be able to demonstrate its willingness to ensure its mitigation efforts do not impact negatively on other countries.


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