Scotland's Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040 - FSDA

6. Conclusions

This Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment of the Climate Change Plan (CCP) 2026-2040 demonstrates that the Scottish Government has taken meaningful steps to assess and mitigate inequalities of outcome resulting from socio-economic disadvantage. The CCP’s policies and proposals, spanning sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, waste, and land use, have been evaluated for their potential impacts on disadvantaged communities.

The assessment finds that while the transition to net zero presents risks – particularly for those already facing socio-economic challenges – it also offers significant opportunities to reduce inequalities through inclusive policy design, targeting support and community engagement. The Scottish Government has committed to ensuring that the costs and benefits of the transition are distributed fairly, aligning with Just Transition principles and the Fairer Scotland Duty.

As reflected above, ongoing monitoring, stakeholder engagement and further impact assessments will be essential to ensure that the CCP continues to meet both its obligations under the Duty and its legislative requirement to be net zero by 2045.

6.1 Key Findings

1. Socio-economic disadvantage intersects with climate vulnerability:

• Disadvantaged groups are more likely to experience negative impacts from climate change (e.g. flooding, poor air quality, energy insecurity) and may face barriers to benefiting from the transition (e.g. affordability of clean technologies, access to skills and jobs).

2. Opportunities for targeted support across sectors:

• Policies in energy, transport, heat in buildings, and agriculture offer opportunities to reduce inequalities through fuel poverty alleviation, job creation and improved access to services. Delivery schemes such as Warmer Home Scotland and CARES are already benefiting low-income and rural communities.

3. Risks of unequal burden and access:

• Without targeted interventions, some policies may disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups. There is a risk of reinforcing existing inequalities unless inclusive design and engagement with these groups are embedded into design and delivery.

4. Just Transition principles are central to the CCP:

• The Plan’s policies and proposals across all sectors are underpinned by Just Transition principles, aiming to create work, support low carbon investment and engage communities. However, further work is needed to ensure equitable access to reskilling, employment and decision-making processes.

5. Data gaps and monitoring challenges:

• There are limitations in data on how policies affect different socio-economic groups, particularly in rural and island communities. The assessment recommends improved evidence gathering, use of tools like SIMD, and collaboration with community organisations.

6. Community engagement is improving but should go further:

• Consultations and advisory board include various groups and involve communities of interest and place, but more inclusive and representative engagement is needed to ensure lived experience informs future policy development, particularly where technology and associated policy is in the development phases.