Let's bring people with us as we seek to cut carbon pollution

We’ve welcomed a report published today by independent government advisers at the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) on Scotland’s progress towards emissions-reduction targets.

The Scottish Government has the opportunity to strengthen its draft Climate Change Plan, the routemap to net zero by 2045, which is due to be laid in parliament before the end of this term – and we have called for further action across some key areas of the plan.

Additionally, we have set out our policy priorities ahead of the next Scottish Parliamentary elections in May. Our key ask is that climate and nature education is provided for all.

Beneath this ask we want to see:

• Continued leadership to ensure that climate education in schools is embedded as a priority so that our educators, children and young people feel equipped to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
• Active support of the implementation of the Climate Action Schools and International Eco-Schools programme in all Scottish schools to deliver on the UN Greening Education Partnership commitments and Target 2030 with a 50% increase in investment.
• A commitment to ensuring climate and nature training is accessible for all, including outwith formal education settings.
• Support provided for environmental and heritage skills and careers development, through investment in both vocational and academic learning

Barry Fisher, our CEO, commented: “We welcome this CCC report because it provides hope – it gives us the positive news that Scotland’s short-term emissions-reduction goal is within reach.

“For those of us working in the sector we need to hear that what we are doing is having impact, and people need to know their efforts are contributing so that they don’t feel daunted by the challenges ahead.

“We have concerns, and know that there are challenges ahead, but we urge everyone to keep on track to reach net zero by 2045.

“We will continue to support people to understand that strong climate policies will have many positive benefits for society as well as our environment, including cleaner transport, green jobs, improved mental and physical health, thriving communities, lower energy bills and warmer homes is key.”

If you’d like to find out more about Our Policy Priorities read them here.

For information on the Climate Literacy training and workshops we offer to help people understand the challenges and learn about the benefits taking action will have for our people and planet – see our training pages.