Let's mark Kyoto anniversary by taking lead on climate change

Scotland has the chance to be at the forefront of efforts to establish a low-carbon economy, writes DAN BARLOW

TOMORROW marks the third anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol – the world's first binding agreement on cutting climate emissions – coming into force. Despite a bumpy ride in the years running up to the protocol being ratified, not least with the United States signing up to it under Clinton and then withdrawing from it under Bush, it is important to reflect on its significance.

Kyoto signalled a turning point in galvanising global commitments to tackle climate change, with more than 160 countries having translated aspirations into law and 35 industrialised countries (plus the European Union) agreeing absolute and binding commitments to reduce their emissions.

Of course, since those countries originally agreed to the principle of a global agreement in 1997, the scientific certainty of the causes and consequences has become even more apparent and the imperative for bolder action has become more acute. The latest report from the world's leading climate scientists highlights the scientific consensus that climate change is already upon us – and that human activities are the cause.

Here in the UK, a growing momentum for action has been triggered by a number of events, ranging from Sir David King, the UK government's chief scientific adviser, stating that climate change posed a bigger threat than international terrorism, to the findings and profile of the Stern review – the economic assessment of the impact of climate change commissioned by Gordon Brown.

The latter concluded that the scientific evidence was "overwhelming", the consequences "disastrous" and that action now would be much cheaper than action later. The report made it clear it is not a question of whether we can afford to act, but whether we can afford not to. If we tackle climate change now, the annual costs will be equivalent to approximately 1 per cent of global GDP; if we delay our response, the annual costs are likely to be between 5 per cent and 20 per cent of global GDP. Of course, we've also seen political leaders start installing renewable energy in their homes and cycling to work to demonstrate their commitment to the cause and barely a day goes by without reference to climate change in the press.

So where has this momentum taken us so far? In terms of action, we are just beginning. Having dragged our heels, used feeble arguments to delay progress and missed huge opportunities to achieve change, we have made the challenge that much greater now. Governments around the world are still failing to join up the rhetoric on tackling climate change with action on the ground, whether it be plans for major airport expansion, the failure to embrace fully energy efficiency or commitments to build new motorways. However, I believe we are reaching a turning point at last and, while too late to avoid some of the impacts of climate change, with swift and bold action we can avert the worst impacts, safeguarding the livelihoods of millions and the protection of thousands of species and their habitats.

Globally, governments are waking up to the threats and opportunities and the need to act now.

Scotland has an opportunity to shine and is well positioned to seize the opportunities presented by acting quickly and leading by example. We all have a moral imperative to take action, but Scotland also has the natural and human resources to be able to act confidently.

Since the early Kyoto discussions, the Scottish Parliament has been reinstated, giving us greater scope than ever to set a strong lead. In last year's election, many political parties set out their ambitions to help Scotland to tackle climate change. Significantly, the SNP manifesto committed to bringing forward climate legislation to cut Scotland's emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 through statutory annual cuts of 3 per cent each year. Proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill are under way, and this is a unique opportunity for the Scottish Government and parliament to ensure this legislation positions Scotland at the forefront of efforts to establish a low-carbon economy.

Today marks the start of WWF Scotland's climate campaign to secure widespread public support for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill. For us, this means legislation that commits Scotland to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 80 per cent by 2050. In order to achieve this, we believe the legislation must require emission cuts each and every year of at least 3 per cent to ensure we are on the trajectory to an 80 per cent cut by 2050. In addition, emissions from our share of international aviation and shipping need to be included. Aviation is the fastest-growing emission sector and excluding this does not make sense. Without addressing emissions from aviation, they are set to dwarf those from other sectors and equate to our entire carbon budget.

As part of our climate campaign, we will be touring Scotland's cities to meet as many people as possible and secure their support for strong Scottish legislation to tackle climate change. Scotland's Climate Change Bill may be the most important piece of legislation in our lifetime. It could establish our nation as an international leader in tackling climate change, helping to secure the future for millions of people and giving hope for species and habitats under threat from climate change.

With a government consultation on proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill running until April, this is a unique opportunity to make your voice heard and add your support to ensure that, as a nation, Scotland leads the way in tackling climate change.

• Dr Dan Barlow is the acting director of WWF Scotland. For more information, visit www.wwfscotland.org.uk/climate