Climate change

We are seeking evidence relating to the regulation of heat and associated emissions in non-domestic buildings.

The Expert Advisory Group was formed to make recommendations to Scottish Ministers on the scope of a potential Heat Pump Sector Deal for Scotland. This final report includes the Group's recommendations and conclusions from their work.

Peer to peer network to launch.

We are committed to establishing a new National Public Energy Agency by 2025 to provide leadership and coordination of heat decarbonisation delivery in Scotland. This call for evidence is the first step in a process of collaboration and co-development of the new body (closes 8 February 2022).

Summary document setting out the results of the full Equality impact assessment (EQIA) which has been carried out for the Heat in Buildings strategy.

Taking action to reduce waste and its impact.

Draft statutory guidance on the guiding principles on the environment and the duties set out in Part 2 of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.

This draft heat network delivery plan sets out how the provisions of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021, and related policies, will contribute to increased heat networks across Scotland. It also outlines the proposed regulatory regime for the heat networks sector in Scotland.

COP26 summit concludes.

Analysis of a consultation on the storage and application of silage, slurry and liquid digestate held from 12 January 2021 to 13 April 2021.

Improved controls on the storage and application of slurry and digestate.

Funding to deliver key recommendation of Scotland’s Climate Assembly.

Funding for new fellowship programme.

Scotland first UK nation to pursue ban on some of the most problematic products.

Islands communities impact assessment considering whether the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 have an effect on island communities significantly different to other communities in Scotland.

Final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for the introduction of market restrictions on problematic single-use plastic items as identified in Article 5 of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU SUPD).

Draft guidance for the implementation of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations). A final version will be produced before the Regulations come into force on 1 June 2022.

We published a partial equality impact assessment during the public consultation on the introduction of market restrictions on problematic single-use items in Scotland, which took place between 12/10/202 and 04/01/2021. This EQIA expands that work with additional research, data, and evidence.

Summary of the Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment work carried out, in line with Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as part of the work to produce the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.

A report on how we have taken environmental considerations, the Environmental Report and consultation findings into account when finalising the The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.

Scotland signs up to UNICEF declaration on children, youth and climate action.

Net Revenues from the Scottish Crown Estate have been distributed to coastal Local Authorities for the benefit of coastal communities since 2019. This study was commissioned as part of the review process for the first two rounds of distribution of Scottish Crown Estate net revenues.

International collaborations to support our seas and oceans.

This business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) accompanies our Heat in Buildings Strategy.

Summary document of the Fairer Scotland Duty assessment process which has been carried out for the Heat in Buildings Strategy.

Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the Heat in Buildings Strategy.

Summary document setting out the results of the full child rights and wellbeing impact assessment which has been carried out for the Heat in Buildings Strategy.

First Minister calls on leaders to step up and secure successful outcome.

Creating more town centre homes and local services to help fight climate change.

First Minister urges leaders to go further.

The Scottish Government and NHS Assure have developed a draft Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy 2022 to 2026 for NHS Scotland. This is open for consultation until 10 February 2022. Comments should be returned on the template in the supporting documents by email.

Pledge on climate change and inequalities.

First Minister says Global South voices must be heard.

Towns chosen to help drive just transition to net zero.

Under2 Coalition members to sign Net Zero pledge.

£55 million for nature restoration and biodiversity projects.

New report advises Scottish Government on environment priorities.

61% of young people say public transport central to combatting climate emergency.

Governments and cities encouraged to take action for nature at COP26.

'Voice of young people must be heard', says FM.

Investment to tackle “loss and damage” from climate change.

Guidance to Scotland’s public bodies on their leadership role in the shared national endeavour to tackle the global crises of health, climate emergency and biodiversity loss.

Plans to increase onshore wind capacity published ahead of COP26.

Seeks views on our ambition to secure an additional 8-12 GW of installed onshore wind capacity by 2030, how to tackle the barriers to deployment, and how to secure maximum economic benefit from these developments.

Report prepared under section 36 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, setting out proposals and policies to compensate in future years for the excess emissions resulting from the missed 2019 emissions reduction target.

An update on the progress toward meeting the target of 11% of non-electrical heat demand from renewable sources by 2020.

Rural funding scheme extended.

Work to be undertaken to support a just transition for Scotland’s energy sector.

First Minister to set out ambition for COP26.

Ministers to drive global climate action with distinctive Scottish programme.

Contact underlines close engagement between Scottish Government and legal bodies.

A series of innovative cultural events are to be staged to mark COP26.

Opportunities to meet world leaders and climate activists.

Information about the Scottish Government policy on trade promotion support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas.

Funding allocated to local island projects.

Smaller countries’ actions crucial to tackling climate emergency.

This report considers the appropriateness of steps taken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in preparing for the forthcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26).

Green growth pathfinder projects announced.

Scotland’s heat in buildings strategy published.

Sets out our vision for the future of heat in buildings, and the actions we are taking in the buildings sector to deliver our climate change commitments, maximise economic opportunities, and ensure a just transition, including helping address fuel poverty.

Evaluation of the third, and final, phase of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) pilots, which involved nine local authorities and took place between November 2019 and April 2021.

This report considers the potential economic impacts arising from a shift towards low carbon heating technologies in Scotland, over the period to 2030.

Independent analysis of responses to the consultation on Scottish skills requirements for energy efficiency, zero emissions and low carbon heating systems, microgeneration and heat networks for homes. This consultation ran from 5 February 2021 to 30 April 2021.

First Minister marks completion of Queen Street Station redevelopment

This consultation seeks views on achieving this vision and ensuring Fair Work remains at the heart of our labour market interventions, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and EU Exit, by identifying the relevant challenges and opportunities for Fair Work across the Scottish economy.

Global south priorities for COP26 set out at Glasgow climate talks.

Doubling climate fund to help world’s most vulnerable nations

More than £500,000 to study the pressures faced from pollution and climate change.

Sets out our overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland in the transition to a net zero nation which is prepared for the effects of our changing climate.

New Commission to be established to support net zero transformation.

Scotland to host United Nations Conference of Youth.

Climate Week to put people at the heart of net zero journey.

Communities across Scotland to take part in climate action.

Programme for Government 2021-22.

The Scottish Government's initial response to the final report of the Just Transition Commission. It sets out our long-term vision for just transition and provides details on our National Just Transition Planning Framework.

Islands contributing to net zero commitment.

Second annual progress report on the land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. It covers the period of March 2020 to March 2021.

Scottish Greens to enter government.

Cooperation confirmed.

Report detailing progress of the work carried out in 2020 through the implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.

­Letter urges PM to reassess oil and gas licencing plans. 

£16.5 million to support energy transformation.

The equity loan pilot has delivered energy efficient and zero emission heating solutions to eligible homeowners since its inception in 2017. We now wish to consider the potential to develop the pilot as part of the suite of support schemes for the decarbonisation of Scottish homes.

Analysis of the responses to the public consultation on the climate change - Net Zero Nation: draft public engagement strategy, which sets out our framework for engaging the people of Scotland in the transition to a net zero nation which is prepared for the effects of our changing climate.

Research into overheating risk in new homes. Produced in support of proposed improvements to energy standards for new buildings within Scottish building regulations in 2021.

Consultation on proposed changes to energy standards within Scottish building regulations, including related topics such as ventilation, overheating and electric vehicle charging provision.

Scotland’s contribution to the Paris Agreement – an indicative Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Scotland makes international pledge to help deliver the Paris Agreement 

£64 million for local heat and energy efficiency projects

Report from the Dairy Sector Climate Change Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.

Report from the Arable Climate Change Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.

A new air quality strategy to replace Cleaner Air for Scotland - The Road to a Healthier Future, setting out the Scottish Government's air quality policy framework for the next five years and a series of actions to deliver further air quality improvements.

A plan setting out timelines, milestones and responsible organisations for delivering the actions in Cleaner Air for Scotland 2: towards a better place for everyone.

Applications for new youth climate programme opened.

Funding for international projects ahead of COP26.

The Scottish Greenhouse Gas Inventory is the key tool for understanding the origins and magnitudes of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. The inventory is compiled in line with international guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Report from the Hill, Upland and Crofting Climate Change Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.

Report from the Scottish Pig Industry Leadership Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.

Initiative to unlock £200m of low carbon investment launched.

£3 million research fund announced.

£22 million this year towards meeting climate change targets.

‘Let’s do Net Zero’ calls for collective action to help hit net zero.

The first annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.

Second annual progress report on Climate Ready Scotland: Scotland's Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019 to 2024.

Single year and multi-year projects now eligible to apply to a £22 million peatland restoration programme.

The Energy Strategy position statement provides an overview of our key priorities for the short to medium-term in ensuring a green economic recovery, whilst remaining aligned to our net zero ambitions, in the lead up to COP26.

Scotland will lead by example with commitment to net-zero.

An analysis report summarising and describing the responses to the public consultation on establishing a Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet

Hydrogen bus investment announced.

Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill passed.

Vision to transform heating in Scotland’s buildings published.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

Record funding to deliver Scotland’s green recovery.

Analysis of the responses to the Just Transition Commission's call for evidence.

Help combat plastic waste.

More than £3.2 million to help communities drive climate action.

Measures to stop non-biodegradable waste heading to landfill.

Tackling climate change in farming and food production.

Initial assessment of Scotland’s opportunity to produce green hydrogen from offshore wind.

Examines how applications of hydrogen-based technologies in transport, industry, heat and whole system approaches can best be deployed in Scotland.

We set out our vision for Scotland to become a leading hydrogen nation in the production of reliable, competitive, sustainable hydrogen, securing Scotland’s future as a centre of international excellence as we establish the innovation, skills and and supply chain to underpin our energy transition.

The following report is a research piece outlining the potential pathways for decarbonisation of Scottish Industries. Two main pathways are considered, hydrogen and electrification, with both resulting in similar costs and levels of carbon reduction.

Draft strategic environmental assessment of the update to the Climate Change Plan 2018 to 2032. The appendices are available as a supporting file on this page.

This year’s energy statement highlights the key developments in the sector that have influenced the Scottish Government's ability to deliver the targets set out in the current Energy Strategy, published in December 2017.

This update to Scotland's 2018-2032 Climate Change Plan sets out the Scottish Government's pathway to our new and ambitious targets set by the Climate Change Act 2019. It is a key strategic document on our green recovery from COVID-19.

Next steps on tackling biodiversity loss published.

Sets the direction for a new biodiversity strategy which will respond to the increased urgency for action to tackle the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Climate Change Secretary sets out key asks ahead of Climate Ambition Summit.

Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund opens.

Scotland to publish an indicative Nationally Determined Contribution ahead of Glasgow COP26.

More sustainable farming and food production.

New Centre of Expertise in Biodiversity announced.

Supporting Scotland’s green recovery. 

Consultation launched on banning common single-use plastic items.

£3.5 million to help deliver climate-friendly projects.

Scotland assumes European role ahead of critical COP26 talks.

People encouraged to continue recycling to help the environment.

Experts advise on replacing single-use items.

£2 million for locally-led green recovery.

Details on the Assembly's independence and governance, resources, member recruitment, meetings, evidence base, engagement, principles and reporting arrangements.

Funding for a just transition to net-zero.

Calls for global biodiversity action at all levels.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Support package to help deliver net zero future.

Publication to be delayed due to coronavirus outbreak.

Ways in which the findings of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) environmental report and the views expressed by consultation respondents have been taken into account as the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill was finalised into the 2019 Act.

Additional information for the full business case that underpins development of the deposit return scheme for Scotland.

Accompanying statement for Deposit Return Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2020, prepared in accordance with Section 97 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

Expands on a previous strategic environmental assessment (SEA) published alongside the draft deposit return scheme for Scotland regulations and finalises the SEA.

Potential equality impacts for Scotland's deposit return scheme and proposed mitigation.

Final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA), which is a development of the partial BRIA published in June 2018 and the full BRIA published in July 2019.

Need for partnership working.

Environment strategy published.

Moving to a low-carbon future.

Tackling the climate emergency and protecting public services.

Scottish Budget prioritising the climate emergency.

Public share opinions on transitioning to net-zero.

Working group to support ambitious new emissions targets.

Funding to support innovation.

Steps to ensure contracts stay in Scotland.

20 years of the Scottish Household Survey.

Talks to accelerate action on waste.

Estimates of Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis.

Transport charter signed at COP25 summit.

Working together to tackle climate change.

Glasgow Science Centre to host COP26 events.

Education initiatives benefit from used Scottish Government equipment.

This report, required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, provides detail on Scotland's annual climate change emissions reduction targets.

Advisory body plan for ‘no deal’ Brexit.

First Minister announces support for shops tackling throwaway culture.

First Minister – Scotland acting locally as we lead globally on climate change.

Support for projects tackling climate emergency.

Taking action to become a net-zero society.

An analysis report on responses recieved as part of the Consultation on Environmental Principles and Governance in Scoltand, which ran from the 16 February to 11 May 2019.

Climate change top of the agenda for new planning system.

New legislation will demonstrate global leadership.

Improving protection against climate extremes.

A prospectus for cooperation, knowledge-exchange and policy partnerships between Scotland and the Arctic.

A five year programme to prepare Scotland for the challenges we will face as our climate continues to change.

Proposals put public sector at the forefront of climate change fight.

We are seeking your views on the way that information and knowledge are shared between public sector bodies; whether public bodies should set targets for themselves to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions; and on proposed changes to the mandatory reporting duties.

Independent review on air quality published.

Stakeholders' responses to consultation draft on Scotland's second statutory five-year climate change adaptation programme. The programme is due to be launched in autumn 2019.

Additional £11 million for peatland restoration.

Public engagement events to tackle climate emergency.

Estimates of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland for the years 1990 to 2017.

Fifth annual progress report on the Climate Ready Scotland: Scottish climate change adaptation programme (SCCAP) 2014.

Ambitious scheme design takes shape.

Call for immediate action on greenhouse gases.

Scotland will go greener, faster with world-leading targets.

Annual reports on the operation of section 72 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

Embracing a carbon-neutral society

This SEA investigates the likely significant effects on the environment.

Independent analysis of responses to our June to August 2018 online discussion that sought views to help inform the development of an Environment Strategy for Scotland.

We want to hear your views on Scotland's new five-year climate change adaptation programme to be launched in autumn 2019.

Scottish Government joins clean power group.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Remit and initial Commission members announced.

New partnership and funding.

Funding for global climate action.

Exploring the marine environment’s capacity to solve carbon problem.

This report is required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It provides detail on Scotland's annual climate change emissions reduction targets.

The first annual report monitoring progress towards Scotland's Climate Change Plan.

£600k fund for projects in Malawi and Zambia.

Doubling of funding.

£100,000 for beach clean-ups.

Just Transition Commission to advise on decarbonisation.

Key findings on climate change from the Scottish Household Survey 2017.

New fund to help communities in Malawi respond to effects of global warming.

Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by nearly half.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Fourth annual progress report on the Climate Ready Scotland: Scottish climate change adaptation programme.

New legislation set to be ‘toughest in the world’. 

Malawi partnership announced.

More than 1,000 community projects have helped cut carbon emissions.

Parliamentary report on the Climate Change Plan by Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

This plan sets out the path to a low carbon economy while helping to deliver sustainable economic growth and secure the wider benefits to a greener, fairer and healthier Scotland in 2032.

Summaries of funding for climate change mitigation measures in draft Budgets since 2013 to 2014.

This is a report required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It provides detail on the annual climate change emissions reduction targets.

Information on the legislation made to date in relation to climate change in Scotland.