Climate Change Committee Report – Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland
The report states that Scotland’s newly legislated carbon budgets are aligned with achieving Net Zero by 2045 and are achievable, but only if the Scottish Government urgently uses the policy powers available to it.
With emissions now less than half of 1990 levels, progress has been made, but delivery must accelerate and broaden across more sectors.
Key points:
- Scotland’s emissions fell 2.6% between 2021 and 2023 and are now below 50% of 1990 levels, largely due to growth in wind and solar power and the phase out of coal.
- Five-year carbon budgets for 2026 to 2045 have been legislated in line with expert advice and Net Zero by 2045.
- The First Carbon Budget (2026 to 2030) has largely credible plans, but there are significant risks to meeting the Second and Third Carbon Budgets.
- More detail is needed on the rollout of key technologies to enable effective monitoring and timely emissions reductions.
- Most required emissions reductions fall within devolved powers, particularly in transport, buildings, agriculture and land use.
Sector highlights:
- Electric vehicles: Falling EV prices, expansion of public charging and UK zero emission vehicle policy create strong growth potential, provided rollout and messaging continue.
- Low carbon heat: Current plans rely on a late acceleration in heat pump deployment, which is high risk. Earlier policy action to scale up installations would be more credible.
- Woodland and peatland: Sustained increases in tree planting and peatland restoration are needed. Stop start funding creates uncertainty and weakens supply chains.
- Negative emissions technologies: The Scottish pathway relies heavily on these technologies, which carry risk and depend largely on UK Government policy. Close coordination between the Scottish and UK Governments is essential.
- Overall, the targets are achievable, but timely, coordinated and sustained policy action is now critical.