Net zero: why does Scotland have a different target date?

Scotland has set a target to reach net zero by 2045, compared with 2050 for the UK as a whole. Does this reflect a stronger political commitment north of the border, or are there scientific reasons for the difference?

Q

Scotland has set a target to reach net zero by 2045, compared with 2050 for the UK as a whole. Does this reflect a stronger political commitment north of the border, or are there scientific reasons for the difference?

A

The national targets for achieving net zero emissions of greenhouse gases were not set by politicians but are based on the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) in its report of May 2019. Parliament legislated for the net zero target in June, in the wake of the Extinction Rebellion climate protests. The former target had been an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050.

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