MSPS have demanded that SNP ministers draw up how they will implement ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions amid fears the strategy will not be delivered.

Ben Macpherson, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, confirmed that alterations to the climate change plan update will be published before MSPs break for May’s election – but insisted the blueprint is a “credible path” to achieve targets.

He argued that the strategy was “backed up by record levels of funding”, with £1.9 billion announced in the budget that included £165 million for a low carbon fund, £14 million for a green jobs fund, £25 million for bus infrastructure on Scotland’s roads and £15 million for zero-emission buses.

Mr Macpherson added: “We are confident that the plan update provides a credible pathway to meeting our targets.

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“It sends out a clear statement of intent, providing greater certainty for all parts of society to contribute further to mitigating climate change.”

The Scottish Government is committed to cutting 1990 levels of carbon by 75% in just nine years’ time.

The next full climate change plan will be published in 2023, just seven years before the 2030 targets need to be achieved.

Gillian Martin, convener of Holyrood’s environment, climate change and land reform committee, told MSPs there was a need for “a final plan that we can all have confidence in”, and warned that “concerns were raised over the credibility and achievability of the plan”.

Ms Martin also called for an “alternative plan” for the reliance on negative emission technologies in the strategy, such as the use of carbon capture and storage which is unlikely to be scaled up to contribute to the 2030 targets significantly.

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Scottish Greens environment spokesperson, Mark Ruskell, said that negative emissions technologies are “relied on almost unquestionably” in the plan, warning that “this is a fantasy”.

He added: “There has to be a plan B on those negative emission technologies that is not written by the oil and gas sector.”

Mr Macpherson said an alternative strategy can be drawn up if needed at a later date.

He said: “Should the need arise for a plan B, a plan B will be produced at the appropriate time.

“But we should not plan for technology failure now - we should pursue technological achievement.”

Edward Mountain, convener of Holyrood’s rural economy and connectivity committee, called for interim targets to ensure the delivery of the plan remains on track.

He also appealed to ministers to “address the current grid capacity constraints” that could scupper an uptake of electric vehicles and bring forward a phase out of hybrid vehicles.