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It is great
news that we are recycling more and thinking about energy consumption.
I would like to encourage more residents to make the
simple changes to their lifestyles which will
allow us to make a real contribution to
reducing climate change.
Local Labour MSP Allan
Wilson has backed national environment week by highlighting Scotland’s proud
environmental record and encouraging local residents to think about how to
protect the world for future generations.
Speaking about the achievements in Parliament during environment week, Allan
Wilson MSP said:
“I have noticed over recent years that local residents are now more
concerned about the impact their actions are having on the environment and
future generations. It is great news that we are recycling more and thinking
about energy consumption.
“During national environment week I would like to encourage more residents
to make the simple changes to their lifestyles which will allow us to make a
real contribution to reducing climate change.”
The Cunninghame North MSP said that Labour in the Scottish Parliament had
achieved:
· In 2001, only 100 schools were involved in the eco-schools scheme. Now
there are more than 2200 and Scotland has a higher proportion of eco-schools
than any other European country. We will have registered 80% of Scotland's
schools for the programme 12 months ahead of schedule.
· In 2001, Scotland recycled and composted just 6% of municipal waste. Now
that figure is almost 25% in clean energy. We are on course to meet our
ambitious target of 40% renewable energy generation by 2020, with a fourfold
increase in non-hydro renewables.
· We have an ambitious Climate Change Programme for Scotland and official
figures indicate that net Scottish greenhouse gas emissions fell by 12%
between 2001 and 2004.
· Public transport now accounts for more than 70% of our total transport
budget, and we are seeing a reduction in the number of car miles driven on
Scotland's roads. Two years ago, there were 150 million fewer car miles
driven on our roads - the first fall since the 1970s.
· In 2001 there were 65 million journeys by train. Last year there were 75
million.
· In 2001, only 85% of bathing waters met European standards. Last year, all
63 designated waters met the standard - the first time since monitoring
began.
· On environmental justice we have delivered the Anti-social Behaviour Act,
addressing littering, vandalism, fly-tipping, noise nuisance, graffiti and
abandoned vehicles.
There are a number of ways that local residents can contribute, including
recycling their waste, switching of electricity and gas when it is not in
use and avoiding standby options on TVs or appliances. For more information
visit www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/environment/climate-change.
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