Christian Aid welcomes the new Scottish Climate Change Bill

For over ten years, Christian Aid Scotland has been campaigning for the UK and Scottish Governments to take climate change seriously for the benefit of those who are impacted first and worst by its effects.

Our supporters met their MSPs, signed petitions, demonstrated outside the Scottish Parliament and taken to the streets in their local towns and cities. Thank you for your incredible efforts! In September 2019, we saw how small actions can lead to a big shift in attitudes and legislation.

Christian Aid worked towards the Scottish Climate Change Bill in coalition with a number of organisations, under the umbrella of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS). SCCS believes that the Bill sets a strong long-term target to reduce emissions to net-zero by 2045, and drive action in the crucial next decade. 

The last-minute increase in ambition from Parliament was thanks to extensive public pressure and in particular to the incredible youth-led climate marches. Campaigners should feel rightly proud of having moved Scotland’s climate action a significant step forward.

The world will be watching as the UN climate negotiations come to Glasgow in November. SCCS and Christian Aid will continue to work with the Scottish Government, all politicians and the climate movement to secure rapid, transformational action and climate justice.

Sally Foster-Fulton, Head of Christian Aid Scotland said:

“It is easy to be distracted by the political turmoil we are living through just now. But here, in the midst of chaos, is a resolve to work towards a better future for and with our young people and our global neighbours. All of these people, who have done least to cause climate change, have chastened and inspired us to call on our politicians to act.

I am delighted that the Scottish Government has responded with such determination to ensure that we can tackle this climate emergency in our daily lives and decisions.”