Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland and has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport and taxation.
Scotland has set a target date for net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. The government published its Climate Change Plan update in December 2020 which reflects the increased ambition of the new targets set in the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
Actions
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a Just Transition to a net-zero economy and society
- driving Scotland’s adaptation to climate change
- supporting decarbonisation in the public sector
- engaging with business and industry on decarbonisation
- engaging the public and 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
- preparing to participate in a UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) after leaving the EU ETS at the end of the EU Exit Transition Period
- establishing a national Nitrogen Balance Sheet to keep track of how efficiently nitrogen is being used
Background
Our environment and economy are intrinsically linked, and Scotland’s transition to a more prosperous, net-zero emissions economy is already well underway.
The Scottish Government has created jobs and backed innovative new industries. Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions have already been reduced by almost half from the 1990 baseline.
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 setting a 2045 target for net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases, we continue to provide the necessary certainty and impetus to markets, businesses and industries to shift towards low-carbon technologies and practices.