Today’s draft Scottish budget sets out some positive climate measures, including plans for a private jet tax as part of the new Air Departure Tax and increased investment in active and sustainable travel.
However, there are missed opportunities to cut the climate impact of transport, with continued commitment to road expansion, and a lack of cash to boost nature and reduce emissions in the agriculture sector.
In response, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland chair Dr Mike Robinson, said:
“While there are some positive climate measures in the draft budget that, if delivered well, will help reduce emissions, we need to see the detail showing how these will bring about the significantly faster progress we desperately need.
“Plans for a private jet tax are very welcome and Air Departure Tax long overdue. But we urgently need more fair ways to raise the substantial additional funds required to ensure the new Climate Change Plan can be delivered, and an end to recent climate dither and delay by accelerating action in the first year of the new parliament.
“Investing more now will save substantial money in the long run, as the costs of failing to reduce emissions will be far higher later.
“It’s important now for parliament to put pressure on ministers to strengthen this budget to ensure it puts the country on a trajectory to reduce emissions while cutting bills and supporting impacted workers and communities.”