Wednesday 23 April 2008

Thousands of postcards calling for Scotland to lead the way on climate change have been presented to Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, by a polar bear and a WWF volunteer to mark the final day of the Scottish Government's consultation on a Climate Change Bill for Scotland.

In total, an incredible 20,000 public responses backing a strong bill have been generated from campaigning by environment charity WWF Scotland.

In addition to 14,000 online submissions (from over 145 countries) some 6000 postcards were signed by members of the Scottish public for submission to the government consultation, during WWF's campaign for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill. The huge numbers mean that, for the handover, the polar bear needed a wheelbarrow to hand over all the postcards at the Scottish Government building at Victoria Quay in Edinburgh.

From Ayr to Aberdeen and from Peebles to Perth, the people of Scotland showed their support for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill by signing up at WWF events around the country.

This event is the culmination of a three-month campaign by WWF to encourage members of the public to send a powerful message to government that they want to see strong action on climate change. Highlights of the campaign included a February launch with a climate 'crime scene', touring Scotland's cities and towns with a campaign stall and polar bear, and a national advertising campaign.

Dr Dan Barlow, Acting Director of WWF Scotland said:

"The public response to our campaign for a strong Scottish Climate Bill has been staggering. This is one of the largest-ever responses to a Scottish Government consultation and it shows the strength of support from the public for meaningful action to tackle climate change.

"This bill may be the most important piece of legislation we will see in our lifetimes. Scotland is already leading with a pledge to reduce climate emissions by 80% by 2050. WWF wants to see this commitment to cut emissions by 80% enshrined in legislation along with measures that will put us on a steady path to achieving this.

"Alongside putting annual emission reduction targets of at least 3% in statute the bill should include emissions from aviation and shipping. These measures will make Scotland a true international leader in tackling climate change and will help safe-guard the futures of millions of people and species around the world."