The Scottish government has been rated ‘good, but could still do better’ on its climate emergency response by a report from group of civic and business leaders.
The ‘Climate Emergency Response Group’ (CERG) report said the rating had been given as, since the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared a climate emergency in spring 2019, there has been positive progress, with action on most of CERG’s proposals, though few have been met in full.
“It is fair to expect some delay due to the global pandemic, but at the same time we have seen new opportunities arise to accelerate action as part of a ‘green recovery’ to the economic impacts of Covid-19,” CERG said.
CERG made 20 proposals for action, for which 33% of these, the Scottish government’s response gets a green rating, for 57% its response received an amber rating, with a red rating being awarded for only 10%.
The group called on the Scottish government to use its Climate Change Plan update and budget, expected in the next few months, to improve these ratings and makes recommendations on how this could be done.
Positive highlights include: support for green jobs, apprenticeships and skills; increased funding to give buses more space on roads, to cut emissions from homes and buildings and build more cycling and walking infrastructure; and establishing a Scottish National Investment Bank with a primary mission to tackle climate change.
The report also identifies specific policies and funding gaps which if filled, would lead to an ‘excellent’ report card.
These include a flagship policy and funding for zero emission mobility in cities by 2030 – with an ambition for four city or town transformation plans in place by 2022 – and to double funding and scale of government energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes and set a target that all homes have to reach Energy Performance Certificate band C by 2030.
The government should also plan to build a pipeline of projects to double the number of buildings connected to heat networks by 2025, help farmers plan and invest by saying now that from 2024 rural subsidies will encourage climate friendly practices, and ensure that the climate emergency is a material consideration in planning decisions.
The two CERG proposals where the Scottish government response received a ‘red’ rating were on mobilising public procurement for the climate emergency response and developing guidance on sustainable, climate-friendly diets.
Energy Saving Trust chief executive Mike Thornton said: “We are pleased the Scottish government has made a clear and sustained commitment to a green recovery and is responding to the climate emergency.
“This commitment is now beginning to be delivered through substantive policies and funding. The building blocks are coming together but we need to apply the same ‘laser’ focus and urgency we have applied to the global pandemic.
“We know now how quickly and effectively society and business can act with the right leadership.”