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.

£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.

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.