Coca-Cola, Tesco and Sky have signed a statement urging Scotland to adopt a policy of zero net emissions.

The statement asks the Scottish parliament to renew its position as a ‘climate leader’ in the Climate Change Bill and act quickly to reduce emissions.

Scotland’s Climate Change Bill, which was published last year, proposed reducing harmful emissions by 90 per cent by 2050 – increasing the ambition of the previous target of 80 per cent – and a target the UK Committee on Climate Change (UK CCC) states is currently “at the limit of feasibility.” A revised Bill made in light of the IPCC report has now been drafted with the Scottish Government intending to go further still and achieve a 100 per cent reduction in emissions as soon as possible. It is this target that the companies are urging Scotland to adopt.

Adoption also means that action will need to increase immediately, across every sector of the Scottish economy. It will also require action by individuals, communities and businesses – as well as government.

The Scottish parliament started an investigation into transitioning to carbon neutrality last year, announcing the first members of Scotland’s Just Transition Commission alongside the publication of the body’s remit. The Commission will look at how to maximise the social and economic opportunities offered by moving to a carbon neutral economy and will be chaired by Professor Jim Skea.

Announcing the membership while attending the 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) in Poland, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality while growing a sustainable economy that improves the opportunities, life chances and wellbeing of every citizen of Scotland, and I am absolutely determined that this will be done in a way that is socially inclusive.”

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