Scots views on climate change fight
A Scottish Oyster card, a frequent-flier tax and retro-fitting old homes to make them energy efficient are among a raft of green measures proposed in a new report on tackling climate change, presented to parliament today.
The recommendations come from the Scotland's Climate Assembly, made up of Scots of all ages and from a wide range ofbackgroundsandcommunities across the country.
A total of 81 action points for tacklingtheclimateemergency in a fair and effective way have been set out in the report.
A broad range of issues are addressed, including domestic heating,environmentalimpact inpublicprocurement,landuse andagriculture,taxation,transport and the economy.
Among the proposals are plans for a national nature service, aimed at creating jobs in rewilding and environmental protection. It calls for enhanced training andopportunitiesingreenjobs, a programme of public education on climate issues and a single national travel card that wouldhelpintegratescotland’s transport system.
It suggests all existing homes should be modified to become more energy-efficient by 2030, whileallnewbuildingsmustbe required to meet strict environmental standards.
Scottish government ministers are obliged to publish a statement outlining how they will respond to the proposals within the next six months – aroundthetimewhenscotland is due to host the COP26 global climate summit.
Scotland’s Climate Assembly is the world’s first to include the views of children as young as seven years old, through an innovativepartnershipwiththe Children’s Parliament.
Professor Dave Reay, executive director of Edinburgh Climate Change Institute at the
University of Edinburgh, is a member of the group.
He said: “This is a clarion call for climate action right across Scotland. For anyone who was still wondering what needs done on climate change, it's
writlargehere:muchmoreand much faster.
“These recommendations span every part of our lives, from heating our homes and the daily commute, through to what we buy and what we eat.
“In these times of Covid, the call for more climate education, green skills and job opportunities is an especially powerful one.”