Parliamentary committee visits city for climate talks

The role of local government in helping to reach Scotland’s net zero targets will be the focus for the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee as it visits Stirling.

During the visit on Monday, May 23, committee convener Dean Lockhart MSP and deputy convener Fiona Hyslop MSP, will visit projects which are at the heart of tackling climate change.

These include Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub; Forthside Way district heating and wastewater treatments works; the community food project – Wellgreen Lane; and Stirling’s Reuse Hub.

The visit is part of the committee’s work exploring the role of local government and its partners in achieving the challenging commitment of making Scotland net zero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Now the committee want to see this work in action by visiting projects and communities across Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Lockhart said:“so many of the key responsibilities in helping Scotland reach its net zero targets sit with local government. Issues such as travel, housing, recycling and the circular economy have a huge impact on Scotland’s environment.

“But we know that local government can’t make this change alone. That is why we want to see how councils across Scotland are working with their communities and building relationships with business, public agencies and the voluntary sector to embed these changes and make a difference to addressing climate change.

“Our visit to Stirling will help us see first-hand this work in action and the positive work happening in our communities.”