Climate Change - Net Zero Nation: draft public engagement strategy - consultation

Green Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on our health, our way of life, on society, and on the economy. It has starkly demonstrated how important it is to be prepared for system-wide stressors and shocks such as are likely to occur in future due to climate change.  The consequences of this crisis will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, and it is therefore extremely important that we look ahead and ensure that we deliver an economic and social recovery that changes our country for the better.

The restrictions necessary to control the virus have been extremely challenging, though in some cases they have shown us what life could be like in a low carbon society and the benefits that can come from this. For example, statistics have shown a consistent uptake in modes of active travel for leisure purposes^[11], an increase in the number of Scots enjoying time in nature^[12], people have started to adopt more sustainable practices such as repairing clothes rather than buying new ones^[13], and across the UK there has been a reduction in food waste as households chose to cook more meals at home.^[14]

Levels of concern regarding the climate crisis have increased somewhat since the onset of the pandemic, despite most people considering COVID-19, independence, and the economy to be more important issues for Scotland at the moment. The 2019 Scottish Household Survey figures indicated that 68% of the Scottish public believe that climate change is an immediate and urgent problem. This has been steadily growing since its first inclusion in the survey in 2013. In our most recent research, reaching out to a representative sample of 1000 people in October 2020, we found that this figure had further increased to 79%. 

Looking beyond COVID-19, the greatest challenge we are faced with in the coming years is our response to the Climate Emergency. It is therefore essential that our recovery from this pandemic prepares us for this challenge, and delivers on our ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030. Our outcomes-based and people-centred approach to climate change adaptation and resilience will further guide opportunities for a green recovery.

The Scottish Government has been clear in its commitment to delivering a green recovery which prioritises economic, social, and environmental wellbeing, and responds to the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. We are building a greener, fairer, and more equal society: a wellbeing economy.^[15]

We are already taking action to ensure that our recovery delivers on these aims, including through our £2 billion Low Carbon Fund which is now fully committed over the life of the next Parliament. This significant public investment will lay the foundations for our ambitious transition, helping to secure investment of £1.6 billion in heat and energy efficiency in our homes and buildings, £180 million for an Emerging Energy Technologies Fund and £120 million to drive the decarbonisation of Scotland's bus network. 

We are also seeking to lock in positive changes in active travel by committing £500 million for transformational infrastructure; whilst our Youth Guarantee will provide significant employment and training opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas, to help to ensure that our young people have the necessary skills and training to work in sectors which support our green recovery. Forestry & Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry have agreed to be early adopters.

Taking a wellbeing approach means attending to the conditions that are required to ensure wellbeing into the future, and for future generations, not only for the present.^[16] The principles of a wellbeing economy are mirrored in our principles for public engagement and is at the very heart of our approach within this strategy.

Scotland's National Performance Framework^[17] (NPF) articulates and measures aspects connected to wellbeing in Scotland. The NPF sets the overall purpose and vision for Scotland and tracks progress using a set of National Indicators. Many of the NPF indicators relate directly to the type of society that we want to create, including measures such as: children's voices being heard; access to green and blue spaces; and the environmental impacts of our economic activities. 

Many of our actions to address climate change are also aimed specifically at improving the wellbeing of Scottish citizens such as our subsidised public transport and energy efficiency measures to address fuel poverty. Our approach to public engagement will highlight the many co-benefits which come from climate action and raise awareness of how the transition to a net zero nation will benefit wellbeing in Scotland. 

This draft strategy will set out the measures which we will take to engage people and communities in our green recovery policies. The green recovery provides an opportunity to consider what a 'new normal' may look like and how this could advance our vision of a net zero and climate ready Scotland. 

Consultation Questions: Green Recovery

4) What are your views on the opportunities and challenges for public engagement in the Green Recovery?