‘Climate crime scene’ marks launch of WWF Scotland campaign
15 February 2008
AS A NATION, SCOTLAND CAN LEAD THE WAY, SAYS WWF
A major new nationwide campaign launched today (Friday 15th February) by environmental group WWF Scotland aims to show that Scotland can be at the forefront of tackling climate change globally. The campaign, which will include visits to major towns and cities, aims to ensure that Scotland’s politicians deliver the strongest possible Climate Change Bill. The Government’s proposals are currently out for consultation.
To mark the launch of the campaign the charity today unveiled a mock crime scene with a polar bear outline and ‘police’ tape – printed with the words “climate crime scene”– in Scotland’s capital city. This is the first of 25 planned events to be staged across the country aimed at highlighting how Scotland can avoid becoming the scene of future climate change ‘crimes’ and to enable the people of Scotland to make their voices heard. WWF is calling on the Scottish Government and Parliament to establish a strong Climate Change Bill.
The launch of the campaign also comes the eve of the third anniversary of the international treaty to tackle climate change, the Kyoto Protocol, coming into force.
Dr. Dan Barlow, WWF Scotland’s Acting Director said:
“Scotland is fantastically well-placed to avert climate change crimes and take global leadership in tackling this issue which threatens people and species worldwide. Our campaign, which coincides with the third anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol coming into force, is all about preventing future climate change crime scenes and enabling the people of Scotland to have their say in ensuring a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill is delivered.
“Climate change is the biggest threat we face, and this bill may be the most important piece of legislation we will see in our lifetime. Scotland is already leading with a commitment to reducing climate emissions by 80% by 2050. WWF Scotland wants to see this commitment enshrined in statute with a strong bill containing measures that will put us on a steady path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Annual emission reduction targets of at least 3% should be put into statute, in line with the SNP manifesto commitment, along with 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.”
WWF Scotland’s nationwide campaign is appealing for public signatures from now until the end of April. The campaign will involve a seven cities tour of Scotland, visits to farmers’ markets and other events up and down the country.
The first city event will be in front of the Wellington statue, by Register House in Princes Street, Edinburgh, from 10am on Saturday 16 February. At the WWF stall, staff, joined by someone in a polar bear costume, will be giving away free energy-saving light bulbs.
Editor's Notes:
1. WWF is now known simply by its initials and the panda logo.
2. Print quality photographs of today’s launch are available on request.
3. For more information on the campaign or to take part in our online action, visit www.wwfscotland.org.uk/climate
4. The Scottish Government launched its Climate Change Bill consultation on 29 January. The public consultation ends on 23 April 2008. For more information visit:
5. 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.
6. In the UK, a recent report (80% Challenge: Delivering a low carbon Britain) published jointly by WWF-UK, ippr and the RSPB, demonstrated that it is feasible and affordable for the UK to cut its CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, including emissions from aviation and without using new nuclear power.
7. For more information on the Kyoto Protocol visit the WWF website.
8. WWF Scotland is part of Stop Climate Chaos, an alliance of development, environment and civil society groups aiming for tougher action to reduce emissions –
For further information please contact:
Claire MunroPress Officer
Phone: 01350 728200
Mobile:07771 818 677
E-mail: cmunro@wwfscotland.org.uk
