Climate change

We are transitioning to a low carbon Scotland for the benefit of our environment, our people, and our prosperity.

Our Climate Change Plan sets out how we will move towards a low carbon economy that will help to deliver sustainable economic growth and create a greener, fairer and healthier Scotland by 2032.

Actions

We are:

• driving Scotland's adaptation to climate change
• reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Scotland to achieve a more prosperous, low carbon economy
• introducing a Climate Change Bill which makes Scotland's existing climate change legislation even tougher
• supporting decarbonisation in the public sector
• engaging with business and industry on decarbonisation
• encouraging individuals to move towards low carbon living
• leading international action on climate change
• supporting communities to tackle climate change through the Climate Challenge Fund
• supporting developing countries to tackle climate change through the Climate Justice Fund

Background

Our environment and economy are intrinsically linked, and Scotland’s transition to a more prosperous, low carbon economy is already well underway.

We have created jobs and backed innovative new industries while winning international respect for our ambition and leadership on climate change.

The Paris Agreement will support a worldwide market for low carbon goods and services, as other countries have committed to reducing their carbon footprint. It will also enhance the long term international competitiveness of low carbon business in Scotland by ensuring that more eco-friendly business practices are adopted elsewhere.

Most of the low carbon economic activity in Scotland so far has been associated with the provision of renewables and low carbon electricity, but there is significant economic turnover for some other sectors, including provision of energy efficiency products and low carbon services.

Low carbon investments may provide an opportunity for more balanced regional development within Scotland. Beyond the opportunities presented by renewable technology, smaller businesses across Scotland will also benefit from engaging in climate change mitigation through energy efficiency and low carbon heat and by promoting sustainable practices.

By increasing our long-term targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050, the new Climate Change Bill will continue to provide the necessary certainty and impetus to markets, businesses and industries to shift towards low-carbon technologies and practices.

Climate Change Plan

We published our Climate Change Plan: third report on proposals and policies 2018 to 2032 (RPP3), in February 2018. The Plan provides the framework for Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy and sits alongside our Energy Strategy.

The first annual report monitoring progress towards the Plan was published in October 2018. Historic information about the Plan’s development is available in our archive.

Committee on Climate Change

Independent statutory body the Committee on Climate Change was established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to advise the UK Government and devolved administrations on setting and meeting carbon emissions targets and preparing for climate change. It also monitors and reports on the progress made to Parliament.

Bills and legislation

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 creates the statutory framework for greenhouse gas emissions reductions in Scotland by setting an interim 42 per cent reduction target for 2020.

We have created a climate change legislation factsheet that provides more detailed information on the Act and the secondary legislation arising from it.

Contact

Twitter: Greener Together

Email: climate.change@gov.scot

Post:
Decarbonisation Division
Area 3F South
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ