Yes it's true, Scotland has passed world leading legislation on climate change and I got to vote for it! Today the SNP Government Bill was passed unanimously (after a million and one amendments - see last post!). It includes an 80% reduction in emmissions by 2050 with an interim target of 42% by 2020. The EU meets in Copenhagen in December to set European targets and Scotland is out front leading the way. Let's hope they all follow suit.
I can tell you that the international effects are already being felt with the support of Terminator himself Arnold Schwarzenneger. One time film star turned Governor of the State of California, said:
"Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. California has set aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets, but we need the help of the world to tackle the most pressing environmental issue of our time.
"Scotland's ambitious and comprehensive targets encourage other nations to step up to the plate as we look toward an international agreement in Copenhagen, and it sends a message to the world that we must act now and we must act swiftly."
I feel really proud of our country today - of all the MSPs who worked so hard on this, the civil servants, the SNP government and above all else, the hundreds of individuals who lobbied us tirelessly. We've all worked together to put together something that will not just enable Scotland to lead the way for once but will also do something significant to protect our fragile planet. It's been a good day.
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