Draft Environment Strategy: consultation analysis

Executive Summary

The Scottish Government’s draft Environment Strategy sets out an ambitious and integrated framework to address the interconnected challenges of nature loss, climate change, and pollution. A public consultation on the draft Strategy ran from 3 July to 29 September 2026. This consultation analysis report summarises the views of 126 respondents, including individuals and organisations from a wide range of sectors such as environment, industry, government, education, energy, health, and transport.

Respondents broadly welcomed the draft Strategy’s vision and direction. The overarching aim - “One Earth. One home. One shared future” - was strongly endorsed, with many respondents recognising the importance of combining environmental, social, and economic goals to secure wellbeing for current and future generations. The draft Strategy’s emphasis on restoring nature, tackling climate change, improving public health, and ensuring a fair transition was seen as both timely and necessary.

Key themes

The consultation generated a rich and diverse set of responses, reflecting the complexity and breadth of the draft Strategy’s ambitions. Several prevalent themes emerged, each highlighting areas of consensus, challenge, and opportunity. These themes provide insight into the priorities and concerns of stakeholders, and point to areas where the draft Strategy can be strengthened to ensure effective delivery and broad support.

Vision and outcomes

The holistic approach was supported, but many respondents called for clearer definitions of key terms and more tangible, near-term benefits. There were requests for stronger ecological targets, explicit commitments to rewilding and restoration, and a greater emphasis on systems change.

Policy pathways and delivery

While the draft Strategy’s pathways were welcomed, many felt they were incomplete or overly reliant on existing policies. Some respondents emphasised the need for robust governance, cross-sector coordination, and transparent monitoring to ensure effective implementation and accountability.

Societal and economic transformation

There was widespread agreement that societal and behavioural change is essential. Many respondents highlighted the importance of infrastructure, education, public engagement, and fair access to sustainable options. The need for a just transition to a net zero, nature-positive, circular economy was strongly supported, with recommendations for investment in skills, local supply chains, and community-led initiatives.

Resilience and justice

Strengthening Scotland’s resilience to climate change and global risks was seen as vital. Many respondents called for nature-based solutions, targeted support for vulnerable communities, and integration with health and wellbeing policies. The principle of climate and environmental justice was widely endorsed, with emphasis on fairness, participation, and transparency.

Impact Assessments

A few respondents provided detailed feedback on the draft Strategy’s impact assessments, identifying opportunities to strengthen positive outcomes and mitigate risks for protected groups, island communities, and those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

Cross-cutting messages

Cross-cutting messages are overarching principles and concerns that emerged repeatedly across multiple key themes and sections of the consultation. Unlike key themes, which focus on specific topics, cross-cutting messages highlight the underlying values, priorities, or systemic issues that respondents feel should inform the draft Strategy as a whole. They are relevant to the delivery and implementation of all aspects of the draft Strategy, rather than being confined to one area.

Fairness and inclusion

Many respondents stressed that the transition to a net zero, nature-positive, circular economy must not exacerbate existing inequalities. They felt that the draft Strategy should deliver tangible benefits for all communities, including those in rural, island, and disadvantaged areas. Ensuring equitable access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making is considered essential.

Coherence and coordination

It was widely recognised that the effectiveness of the draft Strategy will depend on its alignment with related policies and frameworks, adequate funding, clear governance, and strong cross-government collaboration. Many respondents emphasised the need for joined-up approaches that avoid duplication and conflicting requirements.

Evidence and local knowledge

Transparent, evidence-based decision-making grounded in local expertise was highlighted as a key factor for success. Many respondents called for robust monitoring, meaningful community engagement, and the integration of local knowledge into policy development and delivery.

Conclusion

The breadth and depth of feedback received through this consultation provides a valuable evidence base for finalising the Environment Strategy. Respondents’ insights will help refine outcomes, strengthen pathways, and support the development of a Strategy that is clear, deliverable, and equitable. The responses underscore both the ambition and opportunity ahead, and will play an important role in shaping a final Strategy that commands broad support and delivers meaningful progress.