Edinburgh is on the buses
3 November 2008
The people of Edinburgh and the Lothians are proving how easy it is to take simple steps to reduce our carbon footprints - by simply taking the bus!
WWF Scotland and Lothian Buses have joined forces to thank commuters and visitors for using public transport, while at the same time asking them to contact their MSPs urging them to back a strong Climate Change Bill.
Adverts are currently appearing in all Lothian Buses vehicles and around 150 bus shelters across the city, giving details of how everyone can play their part as the Scottish Climate Change Bill reaches a crucial stage in Parliament.
Dr Dan Barlow, Head of Policy at WWF Scotland said:
“We already know the people of Scotland want a strong Climate Bill with over 20,000 responding to the consultation phase of the Bill earlier this year. Many people are already taking action to reduce their contribution to climate change and taking the bus instead of a car is one of the biggest changes people can make.
“Scotland is on the verge of introducing the strongest Climate Bill in the world and we are asking people to challenge their MSPs to back proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including aviation and shipping, by 80% by 2050.
Iain Coupar, Marketing Director of Lothian Buses said:
“Lothian Buses is delighted to be working with WWF Scotland in calling for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill. By taking the bus you are not only doing your bit for the environment, but also for your wallet as it can be cheaper than running a car and with fewer vehicles on the roads, bus journey times will reduce.”
Editor's notes
1 Although CO2 is the most important climate change gas, other greenhouse gases make up around 20% of Scotland’s total emissions. WWF believes the Scottish Climate Change Bill should:
• Establish the legal framework to require the reduction of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050.
• Contain statutory annual targets for at least 3% cuts in emissions year on year to set us on a steady path of reductions to 2050.
• Include climate change emissions from international aviation and shipping.
• Set a limit on the amount of international climate credit that Scotland can use to meet its annual targets
• Include annual reports to Parliament on progress on targets and plans for future action.
2 The Scottish Government received over 20,000 responses to their consultation on what should be in the bill. Now the public consultation is over, the people who can influence the Bill are our MSPs. To ask them to back a strong Bill visit http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk/climatebill
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