After studying the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 I gathered that the Scottish government are doing a lot to help climate change. I do believe that it is possible to reach the 2050 target, in which the acts commits to Scottish Ministers ensuring that by 2050 that the net Scottish emissions fall by at least 80% from the baseline, 1990 levels. The 80% target includes GHG (greenhouse gasses) emissions which currently accounts for around 20% of the countries total emissions.

I have always been very much aware of climate change but I have never really gave it much attention since primary school as I was in the eco committee. I think the 5p plastic bag charge was a very effective decision by the Scottish government, I myself can not remember the last time I used a plastic bag as I always have ‘bags for life’ with me. I also think it was a good idea that if customer does decide to purchase a 5p bag, the government say that that 5p will go to charities.

I just recently passed my driving test but I have yet to purchase a car. I mainly use the train to commute which I understand is not helping the climate change issue. I do try my best to walk everywhere but it is very hard to so sometimes due to where I live. I was also always able to walk to my work but due to recent roadwoarks around my town I now have to rely on getting dropped off by my parents or getting a bus as the footpath has been shut.

I was very shocked when calculating my carbon footprint on the WWF Footprint Calculator. My carbon footprint was 223% which is extremely high. However, the site informed me that 68% of this is due to my travelling. In the past year I have flew to both Florida and California from the UK as well as two flights to London, one to Dublin and Spain. I also travel to Ayr everyday by car to university which is around an hours drive. As well as that I often go drives with friends and family. I also was not anticipating questions on new house appliances and as my house is getting redecorated we have had a lot of new appliances such as dish washer, oven etc.