A bold new draft Climate Change Plan published today maps out how Scotland will reach net zero by 2045 while creating cleaner air, warmer homes, and thousands of new green jobs.
The plan, which runs to 2040, outlines more than 150 policies and proposals to cut emissions, support economic growth, and regenerate communities across the country.
It is designed to help Scotland meet its first three carbon budgets while ensuring the transition benefits people and places in every part of the nation.
Scotland has already reduced emissions by 51.3% since 1990, the largest reduction of any UK nation and faster than the EU average.
The new plan aims to accelerate that progress with a series of ambitious targets.
Key measures include:
- Decarbonising all building heat systems by 2045.
- Phasing out the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2030.
- Increasing annual woodland creation to 18,000 hectares by 2029/30, reaching 21% woodland cover by 2032.
- Expanding peatland restoration by 10% every year until 2030.
The plan also focuses on collaboration between governments.
The independent Climate Change Committee has highlighted that up to 60% of the emissions reduction needed in Scotland will depend on policy areas controlled by Westminster, calling for greater cooperation across administrations.
A public consultation on the draft plan will run until early next year, inviting people and organisations to shape the final version.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said:
“Raising awareness of climate action has never been so important, with communities across Scotland and around the world already being affected through flooding, heatwaves and wildfires.
“This draft plan includes over 150 actions across sectors such as transport, heat in buildings and agriculture that are key to achieving Scotland’s net zero goal while supporting people to make and adjust to the changes required.
“It also describes how we will seize and fairly distribute the opportunities from the transition to net zero, from new jobs, inclusive growth and better infrastructure to improved public services and healthier people thanks to cleaner air, warmer homes and wealthier communities.
“The plan does not ask the impossible of people.
“We will not sacrifice people’s health or wealth.
“Through this consultation, everyone has a voice in shaping the final plan to inform future decision making and ensure that we reach our net zero in a way that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us.”
The Scottish Government has positioned the plan as both a practical route to net zero and an opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s economy through renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green innovation.
Communities, businesses, and individuals are being encouraged to take part in the consultation to ensure the final plan reflects a fair, collective vision for Scotland’s future.
