Scotland's Climate Change Plan: 2026–2040

Ministerial Foreword

It is clear that Scotland - and the rest of the world - stands at a crossroads. We must choose the future that we want for ourselves, our children and the generations that will follow. This Climate Change Plan arrives at such a critical moment - as we witness a worrying increase in anti-climate rhetoric, this Government will choose to stand on the side of science. Moreover, we will not let the huge opportunity this represents for us slip by.

In reducing our emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change we have an unprecedented opportunity to build a more resilient and prosperous economy that is fit for the future. Action to minimise our country’s contribution to global warming brings with it innovation and systems change that can provide jobs, improve human and environmental health, reduce the cost of living, create energy and food security and position Scotland as an exporter of expertise.

Scotland is already seeing important economic benefits from our transition. A greater proportion of job vacancies in Scotland are for green jobs compared to elsewhere in the UK. Likewise, between 1990 and 2023 our emissions have more than halved while the economy grew by 66.4%; showing that a thriving economy and falling emissions are not only compatible, but go hand-in-hand.

The opportunity is clear, but I also recognise that delivering a truly just and fair transition to net zero for our communities will require the collaboration and buy-in of people across Scotland. That is why I have been so heartened by the incredible level of response to the consultation on our draft Climate Change Plan; it is encouraging to see just how many people care about what we do to ensure climate resilience, and how we can strengthen our efforts.

At the same time, with Scotland experiencing the largest wildfires in living memory during the 2025 wildfires season, we know that the harmful effects of climate change are already with us. But the underlying science remains the same: the only route to climate stability is reversing biodiversity loss and achieving net zero emissions.

We also know that delays to tackling climate change will only harm more people and places, while being more costly in the long term. A report from the OBR last year estimated that unchecked climate change could cost up to 8% of UK GDP by 2070 if the world warms by 3 degrees Celsius this century. The cost to all nations of doing nothing will unquestionably be higher than the price of action.

Since publication of our draft plan, we have held a large-scale public consultation, which received over 500 responses across Local Authorities, businesses, the third sector, Community Climate Groups and members of the public. In addition, public engagement events across the country gave us a range of different viewpoints on the impact of climate damage, and the importance of a just transition.

I am determined to deliver climate action in a way which supports thriving local communities, businesses and households. Transforming our society and economy in a way that makes us resilient and creates future opportunities is not an abstract exercise: it is vital that this plan brings real transformation in local areas, and that only comes from all parties working together to deliver. That is why delivery of this plan will be underpinned by a ‘place-based’ approach tailored to the local social, economic and environmental needs of areas across Scotland rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach which fails to value the diversity of our nation.

Having produced the plan, our focus will now be to ensure we have the right mechanisms in place to implement, monitor and, where necessary, adjust our actions to meet the carbon budgets and realise these benefits should circumstances outwith our control demand it – such as policy and funding changes by the UK Government. It is essential that we continue to work collaboratively with our local government delivery partners, industry, community and third sector networks to support place-based climate action that protects people and the planet and realises the economic opportunities of a just transition to net zero.

We also know that the second half of our transition will require decisive action, not just from this Government, but also – given the constraints of devolution – working collaboratively with the UK Government as well as our partners in local government.

This Government believes that the complexities of navigating climate change would be much easier if the full range of powers and levers were in Scotland’s hands. Until such a time as the people of Scotland choose a different constitutional path, this plan is based on the current constitutional settlement.

But it is also clear that governments cannot tackle climate change alone. All of us – individuals, communities and businesses across our society – have a role to play in this shared ambition.

I am proud of Scotland’s progress to date, reducing our emissions through actions like ending peak rail fares for good and our £2 bus fare cap pilot – putting more money in the pockets of those choosing these low carbon forms of travel. We will continue to go further to deliver our ambition, including most recently, by setting out plans for a tax on private jet use – meaning polluters pay more.

This plan builds on that progress. It sets out an evidence-based pathway for reducing emissions that also supports our commitment to a just transition. Introducing the policies within will ensure we remain on a credible trajectory to net zero, which in turn provides certainty for industry and people across Scotland.

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank the Climate Change Committee, the Just Transition Commission, the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and wider Scottish Parliament, our trusted messengers, other third sector organisations and all those who have engaged with this plan.

This plan demonstrates that by working together, we can deliver a green and prosperous future that benefits us, our wildlife and the planet as a whole.

Gillian Martin MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy