The Scottish Government recently released its Programme for Government outlining what ministers want to achieve before the next Scottish Parliament election in 2031, including climate action as a national priority.
For SCCAN climate policy must go beyond emissions targets and technical solutions. Climate action is fundamentally about creating healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities. Reducing carbon emissions and implementing adaptations should be seen as a means of improving people’s lives rather than an isolated policy goal.
SCCAN’s response sets out the need for community power as a central organising principle within the Programme for Government, and the vital role that communities can play in delivering a fairer, more resilient and sustainable Scotland.