Draft plan to tackle nature loss, climate change and pollution
Members of the public are being asked to have their say on
proposals aimed at boosting the health, prosperity and wellbeing
of communities by improving Scotland's environment.
The draft Environment Strategy sets out the opportunities for
strengthening Scotland's economy and improving people's lives as
a result of restoring and regenerating biodiversity, cutting
levels of pollution and waste, supporting national net zero
targets and improving Scotland's environmental impact on
countries across the world.
It includes key government actions which aim to support green
jobs and industries, tackle poverty and promote social justice
including:
- the transition to a circular economy through the reuse and
repurposing of materials
- increasing renewable energy generation in Scotland and
supporting industrial decarbonisation with independent scenarios
from Ernst and Young (EY), showing that with the right support,
Scotland's low carbon and renewable energy sector could support
nearly 80,000 jobs by 2050
- projects to restore nature – including those supported
through the Nature Restoration Fund - which are also improving
people's physical and mental wellbeing by providing greater
access to nature
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy said: “This draft
Environment Strategy sets out ways in which Government action
will help tackle the nature crisis, as well as reduce pollution
and support our net zero targets.
“These issues are interlinked, and by tackling them together we
can protect our planet in ways that improve people's health and
wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and create new opportunities for
business and investment.
“We have already made significant progress in improving
Scotland's environment. We have cut pollution levels by banning a
number of the most problematic single-use plastic products and
introduced Low Emission Zones.
“Scotland's energy grid is also greener, thanks to the increase
in the amount of renewable energy we now generate, we are more
than halfway to reaching net zero by 2045, and our forthcoming
Natural Environment Bill will introduce new statutory targets for
restoring nature.
“However there is still much more we can do – and it is vital we
tackle these global crises in ways that create wider benefits for
Scotland – supporting green jobs and industries, improving
people's health, tackling poverty and promoting social justice.
“I urge everyone with an interest to have their say on the
proposals.”
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and
Gaelic said: “This draft Strategy
shows how we can achieve both our environmental and our economic
ambitions for Scotland, highlighting the business and investment
opportunities that will flow as we move to a net zero, nature
positive future."
Background
The draft Environment Strategy will be open for public
consultation until 25 September 2025
Consultation on the draft
Environment Strategy
The draft Strategy fulfils Ministers' obligation under section 47
of the UK Withdrawal from the EU (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021
to prepare, consult on and publish an environmental policy
strategy. Section 47 of the Continuity Act also requires Scottish
Ministers to have due regard to the strategy when making
policies, including proposals for legislation.
