New measures could include using more wood burning stoves

It has been calculated that Scotland needs to reduce carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes as its part of a UK commitment to cut greenhouse gases.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie wants to go further and has set a target of 2.7 million tonnes by 2010.

He said the savings would be achieved by action across key sectors including energy, transport and agriculture.

Earlier this week the UK Environment Minister Margaret Beckett admitted the country was likely to miss its target of a 20% reduction by 2010.

The commitment we are making today is a serious response to the threat that climate change poses to our communities, our environment and our economy Ross Finnie Environment Minister

She said emissions would be down by 15%, which is still within the targets signed up to under the Kyoto treaty.

The UK Government published its Climate Change Programme on Tuesday.

The Scottish Executive unveiled its own programme, entitled Changing our Ways, on Thursday.

It set out for the first time the "Scottish share" - the contribution the country needs to make towards the UK commitments.

Mr Finnie said he wanted to exceed that 1.7 million tonne target by a further one million tonnes by 2010.

'Urgent response'

"The commitment we are making today is a serious response to the threat that climate change poses to our communities, our environment and our economy," he said.

"It represents a stepping up of our efforts and ambitions.

"Climate change requires an urgent, global response. Scotland may be a small country, but size is not an excuse for inaction."

A specific target for Scotland has been long called for and sets out a clear goal to aim for Dr Richard Dixon WWF Scotland

He said the target would be achieved through "new and strengthened policies" across key sectors like energy, transport, agriculture and the public sector.

He added that everyone needed to play their part by switching off lights which were not needed, insulating their homes and taking public transport instead of the car.

Campaign groups welcomed the target and said Scotland was starting to take its responsibilities to tackle climate change seriously.

WWF Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon said: "It is great to see the Scottish Executive proposing more positive action than UK colleagues.

"A specific target for Scotland has been long called for and sets out a clear goal to aim for.

"The commitment to report annually to parliament on how we are doing is also to be commended."

Now that Scotland has a climate target, it is vital that each and every part of the executive begins to deliver the emission cuts required Duncan McLaren Friends of the Earth Scotland

RSPB Scotland director Stuart Housden said he was pleased that regular checks were planned across all sectors to ensure that policies delivered real carbon reductions.

"It is actions, not words, that are required," he said.

"We particularly welcome the Scottish Executive's commitment to address climate change in the most sustainable way without causing environmental harm, recognising that enhancing our biodiversity is also part of the solution."

Friends of the Earth Scotland's chief executive, Duncan McLaren, said: "Now that Scotland has a climate target, it is vital that each and every part of the executive begins to deliver the emission cuts required."

Scottish Environment Link, the umbrella body for voluntary sector environmental organisations, also welcomed the announcement.