Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about the environment.
While a handful of sections of the Environment Bill extend to Scotland, under the Scotland Act, environmental issues are devolved to the Scottish parliament.
Leaving the European Union has created an historic opportunity to review policies on agriculture, land use, biodiversity, woodlands, marine conservation, fisheries, pesticide licensing, chemical regulation, animal welfare, habitat management, waste, water purity, air quality and so much more.
In 2017, my MSP colleagues in the Scottish Parliament published Global Challenge, Local Leadership, a comprehensive position paper on the environment and climate change. It sets out ambitious plans across seven key areas, including the circular economy, biodiversity, energy, homes and transport. They either match or exceed existing targets, and more importantly also identify how they can be achieved.
Scotland has heard too many warm words and seen too much inaction when it comes to building a sustainable future. We need to set aside the notion that missed targets and slipping deadlines are something simply to be accepted, and instead adopt an approach that will enhance our wild lands, protect our fragile ecosystems and restore our forested and upland landscapes.
I believe in protecting and enhancing our natural heritage. We must do more than just repair damage, we must also improve our environment. It is our duty to the next generation to leave Scotland a better place than we found it.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards, Alister
