8. If elected, what would you and/or your party plan to do to ensure the full and complete implementation of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, without purchasing carbon credits from abroad?
SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES, Gavin Brown, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
No responses have been submitted yet.
SCOTTISH GREENS, Steve Burgess, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
The SGP has clear policy and is alone in having an untarnished track record of sticking to its policies on the environment. We would work to oppose projects such as an unnecessary additional Forth Road Bridge, and other such road projects, and divert more funding to supporting public transport and cycling. We would continue to improve support for the Scottish Climate Challenge Fund (a Green win from the last Parliamentary term), and we would push for increased development of renewable replacements for power generation, energy use reduction (such as through our proposed universal free home insulation scheme) and waste reduction.
SCOTTISH LABOUR, Paul Godzik, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
Labour believe that the challenge of climate change should be used as an opportunity to kick-start new ways of thinking - from taking collective, wide-ranging action to reduce our carbon emissions, to finding more efficient ways of delivering public services. Scottish Labour is committed to achieving the 42 per cent carbon emissions reduction target by 2020 and the 80 per cent target by 2050, as laid out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act. To support this, we will maintain funding for the Climate Challenge Fund and will increase its effectiveness. We will also strengthen public engagement. We believe that a strong public duty is required to help drive change. This needs to include mandatory reporting and should identify the contribution that could be made by encouraging greener workplaces and work practices.
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, Mike Pringle, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
See answer below (under Question 12)
See answer below (under Question 12)
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY, Marco Biagi, Edinburgh Central Candidate
We will achieve the 42% target. The action plan will aim to achieve the 42% target. I would rather that if we fell short on those targets that we also purchased carbon credits, rather than simply falling short and that being the end of the story. The requirement to purchase carbon credits from abroad will also create an incentive on any government to meet its annual
and 2020 targets to avoid the cost. I would never support using carbon credits as a deliberate way of reaching our annual or 2020 targets. We must achieve change here, and not simply fund poorer countries to do it for us.
We will achieve the 42% target. The action plan will aim to achieve the 42% target. I would rather that if we fell short on those targets that we also purchased carbon credits, rather than simply falling short and that being the end of the story. The requirement to purchase carbon credits from abroad will also create an incentive on any government to meet its annual
and 2020 targets to avoid the cost. I would never support using carbon credits as a deliberate way of reaching our annual or 2020 targets. We must achieve change here, and not simply fund poorer countries to do it for us.
SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY, Colin Fox, SSP National Spokesman and Lothians List Candidate
The SSP is convinced by the scientific evidence that climate change poses an enormous risk to the world. We fully support those measure aimed at reducing Scotland’s CO2 emissions. In fact the SSP has been at the forefront of efforts to introduce free public transport in Scotland as the only realistic measure to persuade people to lease their cars at home. This innovative and audacious move takes its lead from the Belgian city of Hasself which in 1999 introduced free travel in an effort to reduce pollution in the city as well as all the additional motor vehicle related problems.
9. More specifically, what would you and/or your party pledge to do to support and promote energy efficiency and greater take up of renewable energy generation technologies, for both householders and businesses?
SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES, Gavin Brown, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
No responses have been submitted yet.
SCOTTISH GREENS, Steve Burgess, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
See previous answer - the Greens have fought very hard for schemes such as the universal home insulation scheme we have put forward in the previous session of Parliament - you may recall that two years ago Greens were responsible from bringing down the SNP's Budget because they refused to take us seriously in our demands for adequate funding for this scheme in exchange for our support. We have been similarly strong in our support for micro-renewable generation support.
SCOTTISH LABOUR, Paul Godzik, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
Scottish Labour’s priority is to rebuild our economy, but to do so in a way that ensures it becomes fairer and cleaner. We are determined to ensure Scotland comes out of the recession stronger, with our economy making the historic switch from high to low carbon and our people trained in the industries of the future. We know that the next industrial revolution will be in the green low and zero carbon industries. We will therefore prioritise the creation of green jobs in renewable technologies - aiming for up to 60,000 by 2015 - and will speed up the granting of planning consent and build export opportunities to achieve this. Scottish Labour will introduce a Green New Deal for Scotland. We will fit at least 10,000 homes with community and household renewables, such as solar panels and community heat and power schemes. This will provide a new revenue stream for housing associations, co-operatives and local authorities through the feed-in tariff. Scottish Labour’s Green New Deal will create 300 new manufacturing and installation jobs, as well as around 750 training places.
We will continue to develop the Central Scotland Green Network, with a focus on opportunities to promote environmental volunteering and training for young people. We will also work to attract £1.5 billion of investment from the Green Investment Bank and campaign to ensure that it is headquartered in Scotland.
Scotland’s transport choices need to be greener. Scottish Labour’s transport policies will therefore encourage people to switch from private cars to public transport, support the electrification of cars - starting with the phasing in of hybrid or electric cars in the government’s vehicle fleet - and encourage walking and cycling, with an increased proportion of the transport budget channelled towards active travel.
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, Mike Pringle, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
See answer below (under Question 12)
See answer below (under Question 12)
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY, Marco Biagi, Edinburgh Central Candidate
As much as we can. There should be an area-based programme of universal home insulation, which should come before prioritising household level micro-renewables due the greater carbon savings. Household micro-renewables should have planning obstacles removed, and we will press Westminster to ensure feed-in-tariffs can effectively fund up-front installation.
Businesses can already find this cost-effective, so simply need a central advisory service to provide the necessary expertise. Nationally we will aim for 80% renewable electricity by 2020, 100% net by 2025 and a decarbonised electricity system by 2030.
As much as we can. There should be an area-based programme of universal home insulation, which should come before prioritising household level micro-renewables due the greater carbon savings. Household micro-renewables should have planning obstacles removed, and we will press Westminster to ensure feed-in-tariffs can effectively fund up-front installation.
Businesses can already find this cost-effective, so simply need a central advisory service to provide the necessary expertise. Nationally we will aim for 80% renewable electricity by 2020, 100% net by 2025 and a decarbonised electricity system by 2030.
SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY, Colin Fox, SSP National Spokesman and Lothians List Candidate
We fully support the renewable energy industry as supplying our future needs, But we insist that this is an industry that must be publically-owned to ensure our targets and potential in wind, tidal, solar, hydro and other technologies are fully utilised.
10. Will you and/or your party pledge to rule out any new coal stations – such as that proposed at Hunterston in Ayrshire?
SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES, Gavin Brown, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
No responses have been submitted yet.
SCOTTISH GREENS, Steve Burgess, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
The SGP has made any new coal or nuclear power plants a "Red Line Issue" in the next term. What this means is that we have stated up front that we will under no circumstances enter into any coalition agreement or support any government without an absolute assurance that they will not introduce any new coal or nuclear power stations.
SCOTTISH LABOUR, Paul Godzik, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
I do not believe the Huterstone station should go ahead.
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, Mike Pringle, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
See answer below (under Question 12)
See answer below (under Question 12)
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY, Marco Biagi, Edinburgh Central Candidate
I do not believe any new coal plant is necessary for energy supply, and that is also the position of the SNP through the Scottish Government's recent statement of energy generation policy. This was updated to take into account the faster-than-expected growth in renewable energy. The administration is however restricted by two legal problems - the Scotland Act and planning laws. These limit the ability of any Scottish administration to prejudge any large-scale energy application. Personally, I could never vote for a new coal plant unless it featured full carbon capture to rigorous and independently-verified standards from the start. Even then, I simply don't see it as something Scotland would need. We have set out an aim of a wholly decarbonised energy supply by 2020. I hope that Ayrshire Power looks at that and understands that its plan is a dinosaur.
SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY, Colin Fox, SSP National Spokesman and Lothians List Candidate
We are committed to renewables and we see no future for coal, gas or nuclear power generation in Scotland in the long term.
11. Do you support the proposed biomass plant at Leith Docks? Please explain why / why not and what would you and/or your party do to either aid or oppose the development.
SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES, Gavin Brown, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
No responses have been submitted yet.
SCOTTISH GREENS, Steve Burgess, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
We do not. Although there may be a place for bio-mass plants in the energy and waste management mix (if they are properly planned and run) the proposed development at Leith Docks is poorly considered. The location is inappropriate, the transport infrastructure inadequate, and the impact to the residents would be too high. For these reasons we have opposed the plant consistently at both a Parliament and a local Council level, and we will continue to do so.
SCOTTISH LABOUR, Paul Godzik, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
No.
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, Mike Pringle, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
See answer below (under Question 12)
See answer below (under Question 12)
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY, Marco Biagi, Edinburgh Central Candidate
No. It is an inefficient and unenvironmental proposal. It will burn unsustainable fuels and has no plan for use of the heat. The SNP supports small-scale biomass when it meets standards of environmental efficiency. This plan is the worst example of greenwash I've ever seen in Scotland.
No. It is an inefficient and unenvironmental proposal. It will burn unsustainable fuels and has no plan for use of the heat. The SNP supports small-scale biomass when it meets standards of environmental efficiency. This plan is the worst example of greenwash I've ever seen in Scotland.
SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY, Colin Fox, SSP National spokesman and Lothians List Candidate
These are projects we support in principle but we believe they need to do much more to bring the local community on board.
12. The Scottish Government is committed to 'sustainable economic growth'. Please explain what you understand by 'sustainable development' and whether or not you agree with the arguments put forward in the book 'Prosperity without Growth' by Prof Tim Jackson. Is it time to de-couple economic growth from the Government's sustainability priorities?
SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES, Gavin Brown, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
No responses have been submitted yet.
SCOTTISH GREENS, Steve Burgess, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
We believe that "Sustainable economic growth" is a contradiction in terms. Sustainable development logically implies that there is an upper limit to economic activity that will fit within the capacity of our environment and resources. There is no place within sustainable development planning for an insistence on endless economic growth.
SCOTTISH LABOUR, Paul Godzik, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
Question not answered.
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY, Marco Biagi, Edinburgh Central Candidate
No. Economic growth delivered by increased efficiency is welcome. Economic growth delivered by the consumption of irreplaceable resources is not. I would support moving to GDP measures that include the unecological depletion of resources as an economic negative. I understand sustainable development to be the increased generation and distribution of goods in a way that does not deplete the sources from which they come, so that those sources can continue to yield indefinitely.
No. Economic growth delivered by increased efficiency is welcome. Economic growth delivered by the consumption of irreplaceable resources is not. I would support moving to GDP measures that include the unecological depletion of resources as an economic negative. I understand sustainable development to be the increased generation and distribution of goods in a way that does not deplete the sources from which they come, so that those sources can continue to yield indefinitely.
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, Mike Pringle, Edinburgh Southern Candidate
Scottish Liberal Democrats have outlined in our manifesto our plans for a Procurement Bill, putting community benefit at the heart of public procurement. We will remove a Scottish disadvantage by making sure that the carbon impact of products is included as a serious factor in contracts and we will encourage greater use of community benefit clauses and social impact bonds. Making sustainability a central tenet of public procurement will help generate new markets and supply chains for low carbon products. We will insist that UK or Scottish standards for animal welfare are set down in specifications and establish a presumption in favour of Fair Trade products in public contracts.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have outlined in our manifesto our plans for a Procurement Bill, putting community benefit at the heart of public procurement. We will remove a Scottish disadvantage by making sure that the carbon impact of products is included as a serious factor in contracts and we will encourage greater use of community benefit clauses and social impact bonds. Making sustainability a central tenet of public procurement will help generate new markets and supply chains for low carbon products. We will insist that UK or Scottish standards for animal welfare are set down in specifications and establish a presumption in favour of Fair Trade products in public contracts.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have published our plans to invest £250 million to accelerate massively the insulation of homes and buildings in Scotland, including in the private rented sector and hard-to-treat properties, to set us on the path to achieving our fuel poverty and emissions reduction targets. We will ensure that every Scot, regardless of their income or financial circumstances, can access advice and affordable finance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on their bills. We will set a requirement for new-build homes and non-domestic buildings to be zero carbon by 2016. We will begin work towards the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards for existing domestic and non-domestic buildings from 2015.
Our manifesto commits to increase the proportion of the transport budget spent on sustainable and active travel measures, to help double the number of short journeys by foot and cycle. We will deliver the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and ensure that active travel infrastructure is at the heart of all housing and commercial developments. We will develop a Scotland-wide public transport smart card, covering a range of operators, routes and fare structures, to improve the convenience of using public transport and promote smarter travel choices to reduce reliance on the private car. These include supporting public transport and car clubs, providing technology for new working practices such aThank you for your email regarding a low carbon future for Scotland.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have outlined in our manifesto our plans for a Procurement Bill, putting community benefit at the heart of public procurement. We will remove a Scottish disadvantage by making sure that the carbon impact of products is included as a serious factor in contracts and we will encourage greater use of community benefit clauses and social impact bonds. Making sustainability a central tenet of public procurement will help generate new markets and supply chains for low carbon products. We will insist that UK or Scottish standards for animal welfare are set down in specifications and establish a presumption in favour of Fair Trade products in public contracts.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have outlined in our manifesto our plans for a Procurement Bill, putting community benefit at the heart of public procurement. We will remove a Scottish disadvantage by making sure that the carbon impact of products is included as a serious factor in contracts and we will encourage greater use of community benefit clauses and social impact bonds. Making sustainability a central tenet of public procurement will help generate new markets and supply chains for low carbon products. We will insist that UK or Scottish standards for animal welfare are set down in specifications and establish a presumption in favour of Fair Trade products in public contracts.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have published our plans to invest £250 million to accelerate massively the insulation of homes and buildings in Scotland, including in the private rented sector and hard-to-treat properties, to set us on the path to achieving our fuel poverty and emissions reduction targets. We will ensure that every Scot, regardless of their income or financial circumstances, can access advice and affordable finance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on their bills. We will set a requirement for new-build homes and non-domestic buildings to be zero carbon by 2016. We will begin work towards the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards for existing domestic and non-domestic buildings from 2015.
Our manifesto commits to increase the proportion of the transport budget spent on sustainable and active travel measures, to help double the number of short journeys by foot and cycle. We will deliver the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and ensure that active travel infrastructure is at the heart of all housing and commercial developments. We will develop a Scotland-wide public transport smart card, covering a range of operators, routes and fare structures, to improve the convenience of using public transport and promote smarter travel choices to reduce reliance on the private car. These include supporting public transport and car clubs, providing technology for new working practices such as teleworking and introducing travel plans into schools and workplaces.
Scottish Liberal Democrats know that action on climate change will not just protect our valuable environment, it will also bring wider benefits. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving to a low carbon economy will help Scotland to flourish, increase sustainable economic growth and create tens of thousands of new jobs. s teleworking and introducing travel plans into schools and workplaces.
Our manifesto commits to increase the proportion of the transport budget spent on sustainable and active travel measures, to help double the number of short journeys by foot and cycle. We will deliver the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and ensure that active travel infrastructure is at the heart of all housing and commercial developments. We will develop a Scotland-wide public transport smart card, covering a range of operators, routes and fare structures, to improve the convenience of using public transport and promote smarter travel choices to reduce reliance on the private car. These include supporting public transport and car clubs, providing technology for new working practices such as teleworking and introducing travel plans into schools and workplaces.
Scottish Liberal Democrats know that action on climate change will not just protect our valuable environment, it will also bring wider benefits. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving to a low carbon economy will help Scotland to flourish, increase sustainable economic growth and create tens of thousands of new jobs. s teleworking and introducing travel plans into schools and workplaces.
Scottish Liberal Democrats know that action on climate change will not just protect our valuable environment, it will also bring wider benefits. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving to a low carbon economy will help Scotland to flourish, increase sustainable economic growth and create tens of thousands of new jobs.
SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY, Colin Fox, SSP National Spokesman and Lothians List Candidate
I have not read Professor Jacksons book but the SSP is committed to sustainable economic growth. We are very much attracted to the idea of economic planning as opposed to the anarchy of the free market which lets profitability be its guide to economic growth.
Development needs to be planned for the long term and investments have to be allowed to grow within that context. Unfortunately nowadays the neo liberal market forces are much more interested in 'quick kills' economically rather than developing and investing for the longer term whilst at all times resourcing research and innovation
Development needs to be planned for the long term and investments have to be allowed to grow within that context. Unfortunately nowadays the neo liberal market forces are much more interested in 'quick kills' economically rather than developing and investing for the longer term whilst at all times resourcing research and innovation
