Almost half of Scots say reaching net zero will improve their
quality of life.
Almost half (44%) of Scots think that reaching net zero by 2045
would improve their quality of life – compared to just 1 in 10
who think it would make it worse - according to new
official statistics published for the first time today.
The Scottish Climate Survey also found that almost three-quarters
of those surveyed (72%) feel climate change is an immediate and
urgent problem and almost all households have experienced a
severe weather event in the past 12 months.
More than 4,000 adults across Scotland shared their views on a
range of climate-related issues, including transport, nature,
preparing for the impacts of climate change and home energy.
The survey found that a third of households (33%) were finding it
difficult to afford their energy bills whilst more than four in
ten (42%) said they were having to cut back spending on food and
other essentials to spend more on energy bills.
People were also asked about their overall views on climate
change and the impact of the transition to net zero. Almost half
of adults (46%) reported feeling worried about climate change –
with one in ten (11%) saying that their feelings about climate
change had a negative effect on them most of the time.
Acting Minister for Climate Action, , said: “The findings from
this survey highlight that people recognise the benefits that
reaching net zero by 2045 will bring.
“However, if we are to persuade people to back climate action
wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and
challenges but also demonstrate clear and direct household and
community benefits where possible.
“Whilst the powers over energy price setting and regulation are
reserved, we continue to prioritise support for the most
vulnerable households through access to long-term, sustainable
measures with our energy efficiency programmes. We are also
calling on the UK Government to introduce targeted energy bill
discounts to support those who need it most.
“Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of
the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions.
However in order to reach our target, we need to work together
more effectively, at all levels of Government and beyond – and
the findings from this survey help demonstrate that Scots not
only understand the seriousness of the climate crisis – but want
to see action.
“That's why we will continue to drive climate action that is
fair, ambitious and effective at addressing the scale of the
emergency which faces us.”
Background
Scottish Climate Survey:
main findings - gov.scot
