Set the target based on what is needed not on what we think we can do

THE Scottish Government's new delivery plan on climate change makes very interesting reading. It spells out in some detail how each sector will make its contribution to reducing Scotland's climate change emissions to 2020 and beyond.

In some areas it is very strong, with commitments to de-carbonise energy and transport, boost the use of renewable energy for heating, create new opportunities for farmers through anaerobic digestion schemes and go for electric vehicles and electrified railways.

In other areas it is predictably weak, not mentioning the SNP's plans to add new capacity to the road network, and letting farmers off most of the burden of reducing emissions.

But overall it is a very credible first go at what Scotland needs to do to set us on track for a low-carbon economy and set a good example in the international arena.

The Scottish Climate Change Bill has two targets: at least 34 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020 (we have already done 16 per cent or so since 1990), increasing to at least 42 per cent if the European Union agrees that the UN talks in Copenhagen in December have produced a good global climate deal, including new targets for the world's nations.

Delivering 40 per cent or more is what developing countries like China and India are calling on developed countries like us to achieve.

The UK's advisers on climate suggest 42 per cent is what the UK should really be aiming for to help make sure we head off the worst consequences of climate change.

So the bottom line is that the Scottish Government and all the other parties in Holyrood can see a credible plan for reducing Scotland's emissions by over 40 per cent by 2020.

Doing a bit more in the transport world closes the gap some more.

When the renewable electricity target for 2010 was set in 2003 it was called ambitious at 18 per cent.

By the end of next year the real percentage will be over 25 per cent. Climate change is so important we should be setting the target based on what is needed not on what we think we can do from our limited viewpoint in 2009.

But even if you only want to do what the civil servants tell you is deliverable, there is now no excuse not to go for a target of 40 per cent or beyond. We hope all MSPs will vote accordingly next Wednesday.

• Dr Richard Dixon is director of WWF Scotland