Debate @ Scottish Parliament on Climate Change Bill

On Wednesday and Thursday 6/7 May there will be a debate in the
Scottish Parliament on the Climate Change Bill. In conjunction with Stop Climate Chaos, Eco-Congregations and the Church of Scotland are encouraging MSPs
to contribute to the debate and to stress the vital need for public involvement if the Bill is to be effective. We are particularly concerned that communities across Scotland are insufficiently aware of the critical importance of climate change, the Climate Change Bill or the need to take action to respond to climate change.

In the twenty first century climate change is already changing lives. The actions required to put the Climate Change Bill into effect are enormous. Without the active commitment and participation of people and communities across Scotland there is no likelihood that the Scottish Parliament will achieve its target of an 80% reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases by 2050. And to build commitment and participation in communities across Scotland, the Scottish Government will need to provide leadership and support. The Church of Scotland set out these points in its submission to the committee.

Many other organisations made similar comments; including Stop Climate Chaos; Unison; Energy Saving Trust; The Salvation Army; CBI; Confederation of Passenger Transport UK; and the Scottish Youth Parliament. The Stage 1 Report of the committee recognises this and calls upon the Scottish Government to act:

“The Committee recommends that Ministers bring forward proposals for an engagement strategy as part of their implementation plan for the Bill, which is discussed further in a later section of this report.”

We are asking MSPs to

• Recognise that community involvement and action on climate change are vital if the Scottish Parliament is to meet its target of an 80% reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases by 2050
• Contribute to the debate by asking the Scottish Government to explain how it will engage communities in this challenge
• Consider the need to incorporate an amendment to the Bill to achieve proper community engagement
• Let us know what you have done

ECO-CONGREGATION SCOTLAND …

• is a growing movement of over 200 congregations across Scotland
• includes representatives from nine different denominations
• currently receives financial support from the Church of Scotland and Scottish Episcopal Church.

ECO-CONGREGATIONS ARE RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE…

…by developing a simple calculator to allow congregations to measure their own carbon footprint. We are now piloting this with churches and will make it available to all congregations in 2009.

We believe that Eco-Congregations should be at the heart of community action to cut Scotland’s carbon footprint. Supporting congregations is an effective way to help achieve the Scottish Government target of an 80% reduction in the emission of Scottish greenhouse gases by 2050.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ECO-CONGREGATIONS…

Eco-Congregations have already demonstrated their effectiveness as a movement lobbying for environmental action. There are now eco-congregations in most parts of Scotland; MSPs will probably have one or more in their area. More details are available at the Eco-Congregation website below. There are now local networks in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perthshire and Stirling and other networks are under development.

We are urging Eco-congregations to contact MSPs about the Climate Change Bill. Ring us at the numbers below for further information, local contacts or a more detailed briefing.


Credits The picture of the Scottish Parliament windows was taken by GaryJD

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