Scotland's Climate Week 2019

Events are being organised in schools, colleges and workplaces across the country to encourage people to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during Climate Week 2019.

Ministers will also take part, supporting the message that everyone - government, business, communities and individuals – must work together to help Scotland become a net-zero society by 2045.

A competition, open to all school pupils in Scotland, has been launched to encourage the next generation to express what climate change means to them, and what their vision for a net-zero Scotland looks like.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“Scotland’s Climate Week continues to grow, and I am pleased that, this year, an impressive number of businesses, schools and universities have responded to the call to join the public sector in helping drive awareness and action to tackle climate change.

“The growing recognition of the need for urgent action is welcome, not least because we all need to take action to respond to the global climate emergency.

“I would like to thank the organisations taking place in Climate Week 2019 and would encourage everyone to find out what their workplace or local community group is doing for Climate Week and get involved if you can.

Background

Scotland’s Climate Week 2019 takes place from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 October.

On Sunday 6 October, the First Minister announced additional funds for community groups who are interested in hosting a Community Climate Conversation.

Details of the Scottish Government’s school competition are available on the Greener Scotland website.

The new Climate Change Bill commits Scotland to a target of net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. This is tougher than a net-zero carbon target, which commits only to balancing carbon dioxide emissions.     

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on plans for Public Sector bodies to set a date for zero emissions – under which buildings, estates and entire operations would cease to generate any emissions.