Global Climate Emergency
Do nothing or do net zero?
We’re living in a global climate emergency. Our climate is changing and we’re seeing the impact in Scotland. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic we have the chance to take action, combat climate change and work together to reach net zero emissions.
Let’s do net zero.
Climate change and nature loss are the greatest global threats we face. Many of our actions produce greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat from the sun, raising our planet’s temperature and causing our climate to change. This isn’t a distant, far away problem; it’s here in Scotland and we’re already seeing the impact. We’ve experienced our warmest years on record and rainfall levels are increasing – this weather is expected to continue and get more intense. That’s why every action we take now to cut our emissions will reduce warming and the negative effects we’re experiencing on our climate.
Rising global temperatures will cause catastrophic changes at home and around the world. We’ll see more floods, rainstorms and heatwaves. Our coastlines will erode. Globally, less land will be fit to live and grow food on, meaning fresh water and food supply shortages and leading to increased migration. Existing and new diseases will spread more easily. Even more species will struggle to survive.
2045
Scotland’s target to achieve net zero emissions by
This is why Scotland was one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency. Our world-leading legislation commits us to reaching net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. ‘Net Zero’ means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere balances with the amount we take out. We can do this by changing our lifestyles to reduce our emissions as much as possible and offsetting emissions we can’t avoid by planting trees, restoring peatland and in future through using carbon-capture technology.
To become a net zero nation everyone in Scotland must play their part. We can build thriving communities and grow our economy by changing how we live and work. And we can act now to reduce our emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change that can’t be avoided to help protect what we love. We can do nothing or we can do net zero, There is only one answer…
Let's do net zero. Take action starting now!
To achieve net zero by 2045, we must take action. Start here to find ways that you can make changes in your life at home and on the go.
If we do nothing
If we don’t take action to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, there will be more….
Scotland. A net zero nation.
As we emerge from COVID-19, we have a chance to build a successful, sustainable economy and a more equal society. But we need everyone – businesses, communities, industry and individuals – to come with us on this journey to net zero and take action to change how we live and work to make sure we protect Scotland and our planet.
Reaching net zero and preparing for climate change will transform Scotland: our economy, our environment, our communities. Our energy sources will be sustainable, our buildings more energy efficient, the way we travel will be cleaner, our diets will be healthier and nature will recover. Technological innovation will help our economy grow and we’ll live in a fairer society. This is our vision of a net zero nation.
