Part 1 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 creates the statutory framework for greenhouse gas emissions reductions in Scotland by setting an interim 42% reduction target for 2020, with the power for this to be varied based on expert advice, and an 80% reduction target for 2050. To help ensure the delivery of these targets, this part of the Act also requires that the Scottish Ministers set annual targets, in secondary legislation, for Scottish emissions from 2010 to 2050. Part 2 of the Act contains provisions which allow Scottish Ministers to establish a Scottish Committee on Climate Change, or to designate an existing body to exercise advisory functions, should it be decided that this is appropriate.
Part 3 places duties on Scottish Ministers requiring that they report regularly to the Scottish Parliament on Scotland's emissions and on the progress being made towards meeting the emissions reduction targets set in the Act. Part 4 places climate change duties on Scottish public bodies. This part also contains powers to enable the Scottish Ministers, by order, to impose further duties on public bodies in relation to climate change. Part 5 includes provisions on climate change including adaptation, forestry, energy efficiency and waste reduction. Part 6 relates to public engagement and includes provision on carbon assessment.