Advice on annual targets etc.
57.Section 27 obliges the advisory body to respond to requests by the Scottish Ministers for advice on proposed annual targets and proposed modifications related to annual targets.
58.Subsection (2) requires the advisory body, when providing advice in respect of setting annual targets, to provide a view (a) in the case of annual targets proposed for 2010 to 2020, as to whether those targets are consistent with a reduction in line with achieving the interim and 2050 targets, (b) in the case of annual targets proposed for 2021 to 2050, as to whether those targets are consistent with a reduction in line with achieving the 2050 target and (c) in all cases as to what annual targets are appropriate.
59.Subsection (3) requires the body to express views on a number of factors relating to annual targets. Specifically, it should provide a view on the extent to which the annual targets should be met by taking action to reduce emissions or by the use of carbon units. It should also express a view on the contributions to annual and domestic effort targets which may be made by sectors covered by trading schemes and those not covered by such schemes, and the contributions to annual targets that may be made by energy efficiency, energy generation, land use and transport.
60.Subsection (4) allows the advisory body, when providing advice on annual targets, to express a view on any other matter it considers appropriate, in particular on the opportunities for any sectors of the Scottish economy to contribute to meeting annual targets through reduction of emissions. Subsection (5) requires the advisory body, when providing advice in respect of setting annual targets, to express a view on the cumulative amount of emissions for the period 2010 to 2050 that is consistent with a reduction that would allow the 2050 target to be met.
61.Subsection (6) provides that the body must provide its advice within such period as reasonably requested by the Scottish Ministers. Subsection (7) defines the meaning of “traded sector” for subsection (3)(b)(i). This refers to the definition contained in section 44 of the UK Climate Change Act 2008.
