Public Consultation Analysis on Scotland's Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040

Executive Summary

The Climate Change Plan 2026–2040 sets out Scotland’s decarbonisation journey to 2040. In its draft form, the Plan sets out the policies and proposals that will support delivery of Scotland’s statutory target to reach net zero.

The Scottish Government completed a public consultation on the draft Plan from November 2025 to January 2026 to (i) receive feedback on the policies and proposals set out in the draft Plan; (ii) gather insights across key policy areas, associated impact assessments, and just transition indicators; and (iii) ensure inclusive public participation.

This document presents the findings from an analysis of responses submitted to the consultation. The consultation received a total of 489 responses from the Citizens Space platform and from direct emails. In addition, there were 112 consultation events organised by the Scottish Government and delivered in collaboration with ‘trusted messenger’ third-sector organisations. The events were both in-person and online, carried out across Scotland, and reached over 1,800 people.

Overall, respondents were supportive of the Plan and welcomed it as a step in the right direction. However, respondents highlighted there is room for improvement, particularly around clarity, community ownership arrangements, and public transport infrastructure. The need for better-connected, affordable, and accessible public transport was particularly prominent, alongside the importance of a behavioural shift driven by government-provided incentives.

Just transition considerations featured prominently throughout the consultation. While respondents recognised the opportunities associated with the transition, many highlighted risks of uneven impacts across population groups, sectors, and places. The most common concerns relate to the impact on oil and gas workers, residents in rural and island areas, and vulnerable groups (including low-income families most affected by fuel poverty).

Another overarching theme was the concern regarding the Plan’s impact on employment. The respondents advocated for stronger financial support to farmers, oil and gas workers, and residents of the areas most affected by the transition. Proposals included monitoring workers to ensure they secure green jobs, working with the UK Government to subsidise the cost of clean energy for SMEs, and providing grants to farmers to upgrade machinery. Respondents also highlighted challenges around skills mismatches and emphasised the need for up-to-date training that closely aligns with employer demands.

Respondents consistently noted that outcomes will vary significantly by geography, reflecting differences in local economies, labour markets, and institutional capacity. Many called for a place-based approach that allows for flexibility in delivery while maintaining clear national objectives. Local authorities and regional partners were seen as critical to successful implementation, but respondents highlighted the need for adequate resourcing, clear roles, and strong coordination across levels of government.

Finally, respondents emphasised the importance of a robust and transparent monitoring and evaluation framework. There was broad agreement on the need for clear metrics, regular reporting, and the use of data to track progress and inform course correction. Stakeholders highlighted the value of disaggregated data to understand differential impacts across groups and places, and to assess whether the Plan is delivering inclusive outcomes over time.