Nearly half of people in Scotland believe reaching net zero emissions by 2045 would improve their quality of life.
That’s the standout finding from the first-ever Scottish Climate Survey, released today.
The survey reveals that 44% of Scots see a better quality of life ahead if the country hits its net zero target.
Only one in ten think it would make life worse.
An overwhelming 72% feel that climate change is an immediate and urgent issue.
Almost every household in Scotland has experienced some form of extreme weather in the past year.
Over 4,000 adults took part in the survey, which explored public attitudes to climate change, transport, nature, and home energy.
A third of households reported struggling with energy bills.
Even more worrying, 42% said they had cut back on food and essentials just to keep up with heating costs.
The cost of living is biting hard, and climate worries are not helping.
Nearly half of Scots – 46% – say they feel worried about climate change.
One in ten say that concern affects their well-being most of the time.
Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan, said people are beginning to see the positives of a net zero future.
He stressed that public backing for climate policy must be built on clear household and community benefits.
Mr Allan acknowledged that decisions on energy pricing sit with Westminster.
He called again for targeted UK Government support to help those hit hardest by rising energy bills.
Scotland is already halfway to net zero and remains ahead of the rest of the UK in reducing emissions.
But Allan made clear that hitting the 2045 target will require teamwork across all levels of government and society.
He said the survey shows that Scots grasp the seriousness of the climate emergency.
They also want to see stronger action to meet it.
That action, Allan said, must be fair, ambitious and properly scaled to meet the climate threat.
As the crisis deepens and the weather gets wilder, the message from Scots is loud and clear.
They’re worried, but they see a better future in bold climate action.
