Bantaskin Primary School has hosted the launch of a major Scottish Government campaign encouraging people in Scotland to work together to tackle the climate emergency.
Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson was joined by pupils like Nevaeh Dolan and Brooke Scott (pictured, left and right) in launching the Let’s do Net Zero campaign, which highlights the benefits a net zero society will bring for Scotland's economy, health and environment.
The campaign highlights the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, and the transformation required across all corners of the economy and society in order to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change.
Reducing emissions
The campaign will support the choices and decisions we can all take to help reduce emissions whilst improving our health and wellbeing, demonstrating the action that Scotland is taking to protect the planet ahead of COP26.
It will also showcase the achievements of communities, businesses and organisations who have already taken action to reduce emissions and introduce more environmentally sustainable practices.
Climate action
Figures show that at least three quarters of the Scottish public agree that action on climate change must be taken now, while under a quarter consider themselves knowledgeable about the consequences of failing to act.
Image: Michael Matheson MSP at Bantaskin Primary School (All photos credit: Scottish Government)
Scotland is already committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and record capital investment of £1.9 billion will be spent on low-carbon projects in 2021/22 to tackle climate change and create good green jobs.
Launching the campaign alongside Bantaskin Primary School pupils, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said:
“Scotland was one of the first countries in the world to declare a climate emergency and we are wholly committed to ending our contribution to climate change, definitively, by 2045.
“We can be proud that we have already halved our greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, but the second half of the journey to becoming a net-zero nation will be far more challenging, and requires everyone to play their part.
“Climate change is the greatest threat facing the world’s population. It’s not a distant, far away problem: we’re already seeing the impact here in Scotland.
“The journey to net-zero will transform every aspect of our lives: how we live, how we work, how we travel. It presents huge potential for us to seize the opportunities that becoming a net-zero society presents – growing our economy, improving our health and wellbeing whilst protecting and enhancing Scotland’s iconic natural environment.
“This campaign highlights the need for urgent, collective action. If we all play our part in the just transition to net-zero, Scotland can show the rest of the world how it’s done – and ensure our people, businesses and communities are at the forefront of our new green economy.”
COP26
Speaking of the forthcoming COP26 climate summit, Mr Matheson explained:
“2021 is a vital year for climate action and COP26 in Glasgow puts Scotland centre stage. We’ll demonstrate the climate action Scotland is taking, the ways in which we put people and wellbeing at the heart of all we do, and how our Scottish values underpin our place in the world. The time for action is now. It is the people living on this planet, at this moment, who can secure the future of our climate for the next generations.
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Source: The Scottish Government