With thanks to Paul Robertson.
Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed the fifth anniversary of Scotland’s world-leading climate change legislation.
June 25 marked five years since the Scottish Government’s commitment to leading the world in renewable energy. Since 2009, massive progress has been made towards building a Scotland self-sufficient in renewable energy – from 20.2% of Scottish energy consumption in 2007 to 46.5% in 2013.
The Scottish Government’s objective is for the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2020.
Dr Whiteford said:
“The Scottish Government’s commitment really is world-leading, and sets a shining example on what can be achieved with political will. By encouraging renewables development, and investing in green technologies, Scotland has cultivated an international reputation as an engineering hub for renewables. In future, when other nations seek renewable solutions to their energy problems, it will be to Scottish companies that many turn for the expertise.
“The jobs and income from this industry will benefit everyone – particularly in the North-east where the bulk of this industry is located. We are very much on the cusp of a second energy boom for the north east.
“However, this time around, we have the opportunity to ensure that this boom will benefit everyone in Scotland, rather than being used as a cash cow by successive Westminster Governments – as has happened with our fossil fuel resources.
“By building our renewables industry we place ourselves at the forefront of a rapidly developing world market, which will only become more important. Energy security will represent one of the major challenges of the 21st century, and as fossil fuels become harder and more expensive to obtain, governments around the world will seek renewable solutions.
“As well as exporting expertise, Scotland hosts around 25% of the European Union’s total renewables capacity, and as the nations of Europe move away from fossil fuels, we are in a uniquely advantageous position to meet the continent’s demand for clean, sustainable energy.”
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Great that our government are promoting this,but they cannot pretend that they are not promoting needless destruction of our beautiful land re AWPR esp Fast Link (development corridor) allowing urban sprawl all over Scotland.Our arable farmland is a non renewable resource and it is being covered in tarmac and concrete without a blink of the eye.Aberdeens wealth is based on a product that we that pollutes our air and sea,4m tons end up in the sea annually radio-active waste is a problem, so is plastic! Some day the true cost of our oil based society will be realised when the cost to our planet is factored into the whole production of oil and other extractive industries at the moment everyone is paying through the degrading of our natral environment and we do not yet realise what the true cost of that is yet ,
Couldn’t agree more; we’re not addressing our serious air pollution problems, we’re embracing urban sprawl, more pollution and tarmac all in the name of making yet more money. Someone in power should be getting the message, but I suspect nothing means more to those in charge than short=term profit (and all the usual money that follows big development)