Environment Strategy for Scotland: second progress report

Environment Strategy Vision and Outcomes

The Environment Strategy vision and outcomes⁸ were published by the Scottish Government in February 2020. This followed lengthy consultation with stakeholders, through an online discussion and consultative groups. A series of knowledge accounts were published at the same time, summarising the key evidence that supported the development of the strategy.

Alongside the vision, we presented six outcomes that provide focus for the efforts of the Scottish Government and partners to achieve the vision.

Three of the outcomes describe our ambitions for the environment, focusing on nature, climate change and sustainable resource-use:

• Scotland’s nature is protected and restored with flourishing biodiversity and clean and healthy air, water, seas and soils.
• we play our full role in tackling the global climate emergency and limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C.
• we use and re-use resources wisely and have ended the throw-away culture.

There are established policies and strategies in these areas, which are reflected in the Environment Strategy. The Environment Strategy sets an overall framework for these policies and explores synergies between them.

The remaining three outcomes describe wider ambitions for Scotland’s economy, society and global citizenship – drawing out connections with wider government policies:

• our thriving, sustainable economy conserves and grows our natural assets.
• our healthy environment supports a fairer, healthier, more inclusive society.
• we are responsible global citizens with a sustainable international footprint.

It is important that all areas of policy contribute towards the vision of the strategy, driving the transformative changes needed to tackle the twin crises, through a just transition. It is also vital to recognise the role nature can play in achieving wider goals for the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s people and the resilience of our economy.

Figure 1 shows how our actions to deliver the strategy outcomes will help to achieve the Scottish Government’s national outcomes and contribute to the UN sustainable development goals.

Figure 1: Contribution of the Environment Strategy vision and outcomes to National Outcomes and UN Sustainable Development Goals

Centre: Environment Strategy vision

One Earth. One home. One shared future.

By 2045: By restoring nature and ending Scotland's contribution to climate change, our country is transformed for the better – helping to secure the wellbeing of our people and planet for generations to come.

Inner ring: Environment Strategy outcomes

• Our healthy environment supports a fairer, healthier, more inclusive society
• We are responsible global citizens with a sustainable international footprint
• We use and re-use resources wisely and have ended the throw-away culture
• We play our full role in tackling the global climate emergency and limiting temperature rise to 1.5℃
• Scotland's nature is protected and restored with flourishing biodiversity and clean and healthy air, water, seas and soils
• Our thriving sustainable economy conserves and grows our natural assets

Middle ring: National Outcomes in the National Performance Framework

Children & young people; Communities; Culture; Economy; Education; Environment; Fair work & business; Health; Human rights; International; Poverty;

Outer ring: UN Sustainable Development Goals

1: No Poverty; 2: Zero Hunger; 3: Good Health and Well-being; 4: Quality Education; 5: Gender Equality; 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 10: Reduced Inequality; 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; 13: Climate Action; 14: Life Below Water; 15: Life on Land; 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions; 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Key

National Outcomes in the National Performance Framework

Children and young people: We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential

Communities: We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe

Culture: We are creative and our vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely

Economy: We have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy

Education: We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society

Environment: We value, enjoy, protect and enhance our environment

Fair work and business: We have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone

Health: We are healthy and active

Human rights: We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination

International: We are open, connected and make a positive contribution internationally

Poverty: We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally