Managing Climate Risk: Reducing Emissions and Achieving Net Zero Targets

Radical action must be taken now to curb the worst outcome from our current climate crisis. The Scottish Government has been a world leader in climate action as a result of legally binding emissions reductions targets established by the 2009 Climate Change (Scotland) Act. The Managing Climate Risk conference, organised by Holyrood Insight, drew attention to enhancements to the 2009 Act that introduce a legally binding monitored commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2045. Importantly, the conference pinpointed key areas for action together with the challenges of, and practical opportunities arising from, delivering on commitments.

Delivering on the Scottish commitment requires transformation in the community, public sector and businesses. During the conference approaches to altering structures and strategies were set out alongside a variety of other ways to incentivise and support change in people’s day-to-day behaviour. There have been easy wins in electricity generation but now energy efficiency measures must be mainstreamed and the transportation system be completely rethought. Emissions reduction must be part of a coordinated global effort; Scotland can achieve net zero in way that brings communities together and encourages health benefits.