Scottish Communities Climate Action Network was invited by the Scottish Government to run six community consultations, to encourage input into their consultation on proposals for a new Climate Change Bill to revise and update the Act which was unanimously passed with all-party support in 2009.
This Report shares responses from the 124 people who participated in the six community workshops held across Scotland during August and September – with summative reflections from those facilitating the consultations.
Conclusions and Recommendations
· Strong political leadership is needed with bold and ambitious emission reduction targets, demonstrating resolve to “walk the talk” and put measures in place for targets to be met
· Development of a positive vision for post-carbon Scotland is an opportunity to reflect on our priorities and values as a society
· Coordinated, cross-departmental Government action is essential
· There is a great demand for more community engagement and participation in all stages of the planning and practicalities of emission reductions
· Greater awareness of climate change is needed and discussion of the opportunities and challenges of decarbonisation should be normalised
· Physical and policy infrastructure and support is essential to empower community action
· Local democratic renewal is an opportunity to embrace zero-carbon local place plans
· Vulnerable sectors and communities must be supported to ensure a Just Transition for all
· The Bill provides an opportunity for relocalised economies and livelihoods with a transition to regenerative agriculture, housing refurbishment and support for sustainable active travel.
