SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson asks when the CCC will revisit the targets in light of new evidence.

Chris Stark says it is difficult to be certain about when new evidence will be available but there may well be time to revisit in the future.

However, he adds we may not have much time to revisit it and setting a strong target now is a "fundamental step".

I don't want to be doing this again, this is the moment for the a fundamental piece of work so parliament's can make the right decisions, he adds.

Roger Harrabin
BBC environment analyst

Image source, PA

The UK should lead the global fight against climate change by cutting greenhouse gases to nearly zero by 2050, a report says.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) maintains this can be done at no added cost from previous estimates.

Its report says that if other countries follow the UK, there’s a 50-50 chance of staying below the recommended 1.5C temperature rise by 2100.

A 1.5C rise is considered the threshold for dangerous climate change.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Mr Stark says some of the issues facing Scotland are contingent on what is happening UK wide.

The CCC CEO adds the sixth carbon budget will indicate the pathway to reach the UK target.

He points out in the end, the world will have to act on climate change.

"We're all going to have to get to net-zero or the game's a bogey."

The new Scottish target being inserted into the Climate Change Bill at this stage provides a very strong lever over the UK, he says.

Mr Stark concludes it's important both Scottish and UK policy steps up, but we're not there yet.

Convener Gillian Martin asks if the panel is confident that it has considered all the available options for the UK and the devolved administrations.

CCC CEO Chris Stark says they are confident, as it has been several months of intensive work.

We did not previously have the evidence to talk about the net-zero goal but now we have set a 2050 target for the UK, he explains.

He also expects the evidence base to improve going forward.

Image source, Getty Images

The Scottish government will legislate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045 after receiving fresh advice from an expert panel.

The Committee on Climate Change, external (CCC) urged that Scotland set the target five years ahead of the UK as a whole.

The panel says Scotland has more potential sites for carbon capture and a greater landmass for tree planting.

It came after a report to the UN last year urged the world to go "further and faster" in tackling climate change.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

The committee is hearing from:

• Chris Stark, the CEO of the Committee on Climate Change, external (CCC)
• Professor Keith Bell, a CCC member
• Professor Piers Forster, a CCC member
• David Joffe, an economic expert from the CCC

Image source, PA

The environment and climate change committee is considering the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill, external this morning.

It is taking evidence from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) ahead of considering stage 2 amendments. Over the next two weeks it will also hear from the Scottish government and stakeholders.

The CCC recommended the Scottish government toughen up its targets in its most recent advice, published at the start of May.

Read the committee papers here., external

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to Holyrood Live on Tuesday 14 May 2019.

Discussion will be climate change heavy today as the Committee on Climate Change appears before the environment committee.

It is discussing the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Bill.

Then after topical questions, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham will make a statement on responding to the global climate emergency.

Image source, Getty Images

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing will make a statement after this on support for sheep farmers.

The Scottish government then leads a debate on the 'place principle' for service planning.

Finally SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth will celebrate Home-Start Glenrothes' 21st birthday with a member's debate.