The Scottish Executive is to set its own climate change targets for devolved areas such as transport, First Minister Jack McConnell has announced.
Targets will be set for devolved areas such as transport
The move was welcomed by the Scottish Greens but they criticised ministers for giving vague details.
The target level for carbon dioxide emission reduction and timescale to address the problem have not been set.
Mr McConnell described climate change as the single most important long-term threat facing the planet.
He said that the consequences of doing nothing would be "catastrophic for the entire world".
He said: "Individual countries can lead the way, and make a difference, which is why we are going to set our own, challenging climate change targets in areas of devolved responsibility.
"We are now establishing exactly what these targets will be.
"The targets will be designed to encourage all sections of society to reduce the CO2 emissions that cause climate change and they will also look at ways all of us can live more sustainable lives."
The Greens are currently consulting on a Climate Change Bill that would place legal requirements on ministers to tackle the issue.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell, said: "After years of campaigning today's announcement is welcome, but now is the time to go the extra mile.
"We need serious commitment and with much more urgency and our bill does exactly that.
"I welcome the executive's move in our direction. If they are serious they will set targets at a level where tough political decisions, for example on the M74, will not be avoided."
The timing of the announcement came as world leaders prepare to meet at Gleneagles for the G8 summit at which climate change will be high on the agenda.
Friends of the Earth's head of research Dr Dan Barlow, said: "Compared to the rest of the UK, Scotland's contribution in cutting emissions has simply been inadequate.
"Agreeing sectoral targets is a welcome first step on the road to Scotland finally starting to get to grips with its climate change emissions."
"We will wait to see the full detail of the proposals but it is imperative that the first minister's commitments form part of a wider Scottish framework which will deliver year-on-year cuts in climate pollution."