This change follows the Scottish government's admission that it cannot achieve the previously set goal of a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030. The bill was passed in Holyrood with 105 votes in favor and none against, gaining support from all parties except the Scottish Greens, whose seven MSPs abstained.

The Scottish Conservatives labeled the revised targets as a "humiliating climbdown." Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin, however, emphasized that the government remains "unwavering" in its commitment to reach net zero by 2045. She stated, "It is crucial that our target pathway to 2045 is feasible and reflects the latest independent expert advice. Carbon budgets will be adopted, similar to systems in Japan, France, England, and Wales, and will include emissions from international aviation and shipping, without provisions to 'carry over' emissions from one budget to another. We will continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious, and capable of addressing the climate emergency."

In April, the government acknowledged that its previous goal was "out of reach." Because this goal was part of climate change legislation, ministers needed to propose a new Bill to amend it. The new Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill not only updates the previous 2019 legislation but also transitions to a five-year carbon budget cycle rather than setting fixed deadlines for gradual reductions.

Political Reactions

As a minority government, the SNP required support from other parties to pass the Bill into law. Before the vote, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie stated that his party would only support the Bill if the Scottish government committed to accelerated climate action. Ultimately, the seven Scottish Green MSPs abstained from voting. Harvie remarked to MSPs, "We should be a bit embarrassed by the need for this Bill."

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur warned that the Bill could not be "another escape hatch" for the government, urging ministers to "move heaven and earth" to address climate issues.

Scottish Conservative net zero spokesperson Douglas Lumsden criticized the Bill as a "humiliating climbdown," asserting, "The SNP are all talk and no action on climate change. They failed to meet annual targets nine out of the last 13 times, and their incompetence has now led them to abandon these targets altogether."

Scottish Labour net zero spokesperson Sarah Boyack called it a "day of shame" for the SNP, claiming that climate targets have been left "in tatters." She added, "The SNP cannot repeat these mistakes. This Bill must be supported by a genuine plan to meet the remaining targets and ensure our homes, transport, and communities can achieve the just transition that is urgently needed."