Final Report - Scottish Government Consultation on the Draft Climate Change Plan (2026-2040)
Renfrewshire Council · 20 January 2026
Back to Planning and Climate Change Policy Board — 20 January 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Planning and Climate Change Policy Board On: 20 January 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Scottish Government Consultation on the Draft Climate Change Plan (2026-2040) ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the draft Climate Change Plan (2026-2040). 1.2 The plan sets out policies and proposals the Scottish Government will undertake to enable the carbon budgets to be met between 2026 and 2040. 1.3 Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 51.3% since 1990- the largest reduction in the UK. Scotland is now over halfway to achieving net zero emissions. This reduction includes a 93.4% reduction in electricity supply emissions, from sources such as power stations; a 59.5% reduction in industrial emissions, including manufacturing and construction; and a 73.1% reduction in waste management emissions, such as landfill. 1.4 The public consultation will close on 29 January 2026 and responses have been prepared on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. If approved by board, a response will be submitted prior to the consultation closing date. ___________________________________________________________________
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PUBLIC 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board: 2.1 Approves the draft response to the consultation and the submission of the response prior to the closing date of 29 January 2026. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the draft Climate Change Plan (2026-2040). The plan aims to further enhance Scotland’s position as a lead in sustainability and embed the need for a just transition across Scotland. This ensures that, while Scotland transitions towards net zero, vulnerabilities and impacts are not further enhanced. 4. Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 4.1 The Climate Change Plan sets out the policies and proposals the Scottish Government will take forward to enable the carbon budgets to be met between 2026-2040. These carbon budgets have been set in line with the levels proposed by the Climate Change Committee. 4.2 The carbon budgets set a target for the average level of reduction in CO2e emissions for Scotland since the baseline year of 1990. These are set over a five- year period and are as follows: • 57% lower than baseline levels for 2026-2030, • 69% lower than baseline levels for 2031-2035, • 80% lower than baseline levels for 2036-2040, and • 94% lower than baseline levels for 2041-2045 4.3 The new plan details over 150 policies and proposals building on this progress across different sectors such as transport, heat in buildings, and agriculture, including: • Setting a target to decarbonise building heat systems by 2045, • Phasing out new diesel and petrol cars by 2030, • Increasing woodland creating so that by 2029/30 18,000 hectares are planted every year, with 21% woodland cover in Scotland by 2032, and • Increasing peatland restoration by 10% each year to 2030. 4.4 The plan highlights financial opportunities within sectors such as energy, including the further creation and support of green jobs. Investment and financial support are highlighted within the plan as ways to increase the net zero economy.
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PUBLIC 4.5 The plan focuses on the delivery of emissions reductions by sector and includes actions the Scottish Government will take to ensure emission reductions are made. The sectors included in the plan are: • Residential and Public (buildings), • Transport (including international aviation and shipping), • Waste Management, • Energy Supply, • Business and Industrial Process, • Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), and • Agriculture. 4.6 Benefits to people and communities are also highlighted in the plan. The reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, combined with the adaptation measures set out in the plan, encourage effective prevention for health impacts from climate change. Some of the benefits included in the plan are cleaner air, warmer homes, healthier food, health-promoting natural and built environments. 4.7 The Scottish Government recognises the challenges of implementing a plan over a fifteen-year period and will monitor and evaluate the plan alongside implementation to ensure it remains relevant and incorporates new technology and action from the Scottish and UK governments as well as wider European and global developments. 4.8 The plan encourages collaborative working across the public and private sectors by highlighting areas where support is required, including support from Local Authorities. Some of the support from Local Authorities highlighted in the plan include energy generation by approving applications for renewable energy generation and supporting the waste hierarchy (circular economy and modernised recycling). Adaptation is also prioritised within the plan, an area which Local Authorities can support communities with. 4.9 The consultation will close on 29 January 2026 and responses have been prepared which broadly support the approach outlined within Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan (2026-2040). 4.10 Renfrewshire Council continues to take forward climate related activity to support our Plan for Net Zero. The priority areas within the Climate Change Plan align with the Council’s priorities and ongoing work. ___________________________________________________________________
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PUBLIC Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None directly arising from this report. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None directly arising from this report. 3. Community/Council Planning – None directly arising from this report. 4. Legal - None directly arising from this report. 5. Property/Assets – None directly arising from this report. 6. Information Technology – None directly arising from this report. 7. Equality and Human Rights - The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health and Safety – None directly arising from this report. 9. Procurement – None directly arising from this report. 10. Risk – None directly arising from this report 11. Privacy Impact – None directly arising from this report. 12. Climate Risk – This contributes to the Council’s Plan for Net Zero and nature recovery targets and thus aims to positively reduce climate related risk 13. Children’s Rights - None directly arising from this report. 14. COSLA Policy Position – This work aligns with COSLA’s current work alongside the Scottish Government in response to the climate emergency. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: None ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Danielle Leggett, Sustainability Lead Officer (Strategy) Email: danielle.leggett@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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PUBLIC Consultation on the Draft Climate Change Plan Questionnaire Section 1: Delivering a Just Transition The following questions concern the Delivering a Just Transition section of the Plan, more specifically: communities, skills, workforce, employers and adapting to climate change. Question 1 What are your views on our approach to delivering a just transition for people and communities? A just transition should be economically beneficial for all and shouldn’t increase or enhance vulnerabilities. The Climate Change Plan highlights the economic benefit of Net Zero and the importance of working collaboratively with public and private sectors to maximise investment. The plan builds on the green industrial strategy where the 5 key priority areas are highlighted- wind, CCUS, Professional and financial services, Hydrogen and clean energy-intensive industries. Renfrewshire Council agrees that these are important and key to building a financially secure and just Scotland. However, funding will be a barrier for Net Zero work and the commitment to help local authorities to support communities needs to be greater to ensure a just transition and prevent further vulnerabilities. Health and wellbeing being included is key as this is a direct impact of climate change. Ensuring energy security through redesign of systems allows Scotland to draw upon expertise within the workforce in Scotland and allow for improvement/increase of green jobs and reskilling the workforce further providing security. Using community engagement to inform aspects of the plan is vital to ensure Scotland is adapting with communities. Many different elements have been included in the just transition including clean heating, workforce skills, transport, businesses and waste. The Climate Change Plan outlines delivery schemes to support communities to decarbonise which enforces the just transition. Having just transition plans for each sector will help ensure communities can adapt and are brought along with the process of transitioning to net zero practices. The plan also considers a just transition, including transport and waste which are vital services for communities which will need to adapt as we transition towards net zero.
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PUBLIC Question 2 We recognise that workers face particular impacts from the Plan and we have outlined our approach to supporting the transition of the workforce, including skills for jobs. What skills, training and qualification provisions will be most important in a net zero future and what more could be done to support them? Question 3 The Plan will bring opportunities and challenges for businesses and employers. How can we best support employers across the private, public and third sectors to make the changes needed and seize the benefits of net zero? Ensuring the workforce is kept up to date with changes in technology/systems and the relevant training is provided to understand and utilise the advancement. This would enable the workforce to transition into sustainable jobs without fear of redeployment. E.g. Oil and gas skills/training in things like hydrogen to ensure the workforce can benefit from the change in sectors/priorities. Green skills/jobs courses in schools/colleges/universities with greater awareness of sustainability courses. Incentives may be required to encourage young people to undertake sustainability course to help provide relevant skills to futureproof the workforce. Co- benefits of net zero could be established by including a sustainability element across all courses to ensure a fair and just transition. This will allow for jobs to be future proof as the relevant knowledge/skills has been developed overtime. On the job training could be beneficial to the workforce already in roles which are likely to change as Scotland adapts and develops more sustainable, net zero practices. Ensure funding is available to help support businesses implement sustainable practices. The cost is the biggest limiter when it comes to net zero and so, will likely be the reason why businesses do not opt to take the sustainable route. As a Local Authority, funding is limited and prohibits net zero work from being fully implemented or able to benefit from the full potential. It would be beneficial to have secured, allocated funding annually to ensure we can continue to support the delivery on the Climate Change Plan.
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PUBLIC Question 4 Our approach recognises that some of the Plan’s impacts will have greater implications for particular regions of Scotland. What are your views on our approach to supporting places where the transition presents particular regional impacts? Section 2: Sectoral contributions, Policies and Proposals The following questions concern the Sectoral contributions, policies and proposal sections of the Plan. Buildings (Residential and Public) Question 5 How can we decarbonise homes and buildings in a way that is fair and leaves no one behind? It is important to ensure the regions where net zero practices will bring about substantial change are supported. The approach outlined allows the workforce to learn new skills and further enhance their current roles to understand and deliver on net zero work. This increases job security and community buy-in for sustainability. The plan supports the transition in areas where regional impacts are greater. The cost to decarbonise is a prohibitor for many people. Incentives should be considered to help with the affordability of these works, this again encourages a just transition. Provide support, both in terms of financial support and awareness, to help those in older buildings to retrofit their homes. A fabric first approach is key and should be communicated to all homeowners to allow them to ensure their home can support clean technology. Education/awareness comes into this as not everyone understands how to begin the retrofit process. Decarbonisation a requirement for all planning applications to ensure all new homes and buildings are built to achieve net zero eliminating the need for retrofit work on those properties. Heat networks are an effective way to help decarbonise homes and buildings together, supporting Local Authorities to explore district heat networks will be beneficial in ensuring Scotland is decarbonising the heat within the buildings. The plan identifies financial support to help build and establish heat networks which is key to ensuring building decarbonisation is fair and just. This will also help communities to decarbonise together. Working collaboratively with Local Authorities will ensure that decarbonisation is fair and encourages the community to decarbonise.
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PUBLIC Question 6 How can clean heating systems (such as heat pumps) be made more affordable for everyone? Transport Question 7 Which of the following would be most effective in enabling you to transition your vehicle(s) to zero emissions alternatives? Please rank your choices from highest to lowest priority, where 1 is the highest priority. Please only give one ranking to each option: If you’re responding for an organisation: you may want to consider car fleets as well as HGV fleets. 7 Cost of new zero emissions vehicles needs to come down 4 Cost of used zero emissions vehicles needs to come down 3 Reliable infrastructure for vehicles (such as fuel or charging networks) 5 Noticeably cheaper running costs (including electricity, maintenance and insurance) 6 Convenient access to public charging infrastructure Funding from government either through grant funding or through interest free green loans to allow homeowners to invest in net zero practices without the upfront cost (or huge amounts of interest). Funding will allow homeowners to increase the EPC rating of their property to ensure effective energy retention from clean heating systems. Potential for salary sacrifice schemes through employment to purchase heat pumps etc. could see a greater uptake. Investment into clean heating infrastructure including workforce skills. Ensuring clean heating systems are in place at the planning stage of new developments so properties are being purchased with futureproofing already in place. This would mean the cost is factored into the purchase price. The schemes outlined in the plan help support the affordability routes highlighted above- HES Grant and Loan will allow homeowners, who want to, to purchase heat pumps to support clean heating systems in their home. The plan highlights other funding sources which will help support the purchase of clean energy systems. The plan also addresses funding opportunities for public bodies through Salix Finance which will support public bodies in the decarbonisation of their own buildings which is one of the largest emissions sources. The plan considers different routes and accessibility to clean heating systems with an emphasis on collaboration with stakeholders such as Local Authorities. As outlined in the plan, providing support for Local Authorities to deliver their LHEES will enable greater availability and potential for clean heating systems as heat networks will be established.
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PUBLIC 8 Ensuring an adequate number of trained mechanics available to perform essential maintenance and repairs 2 Access to funding support /low cost finance 1 All of the above Other (use box below) Question 8 How can the Scottish Government support communities to participate in planning of local sustainable infrastructure (such as, walking, wheeling and cycling routes)? Question 9 What action by the Scottish Government would be most helpful in supporting you to live a more climate-friendly lifestyle? To encourage and support communities to participate in the planning of sustainable transport, the Scottish government could include communities at the start of the process. It would be beneficial to communities to have an opportunity to decide where sustainable infrastructure is placed. For example, where do new cycling and walking routes need to be to ensure access to key services and amenities for all- this is information the community would be key in providing as they know their local area best and what they need to ensure they can travel sustainably. Without accessible routes, the community will be less likely to participate in active travel. Funding support for this would also be beneficial as an incentive to get involved in the planning process. Ensuring infrastructure is also being implemented in rural areas (which would be if the community is involved in the planning process) will also encourage community uptake and involvement. Support for widely available and reliable public transport would encourage a sustainable lifestyle. There would also need to be funding available to support for housing (reduction in energy costs and installation of renewable energy). This would also encourage a higher uptake of a sustainable lifestyle. EV infrastructure should also be more widely available and accessible to encourage climate- friendly choices around car travel and vehicle ownership. The plan sets out numerous ways in which the Scottish Government, with the support of Local Authorities, businesses, and communities themselves, can support each other to live more sustainably. N/A
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PUBLIC Waste Question 10 Are there any additional proposals to support waste sector emission reduction that should be considered across the following 5 areas: • Strengthen the circular economy • Reduce and reuse • Modernise recycling • Decarbonise disposal • Other emission sources (including waste water and anaerobic digestion) Energy Supply Question 11 What are your views on Scotland generating more electricity from renewable sources? A circular economy is key to Scotland achieving its ambitious net zero targets as it helps encourage reuse and repair of materials/products, reducing the number of items going to landfill. Conscious consumerism feeds into a circular economy, how/what we purchase (genuine need and lifetime of products). Transparent supply chains would be beneficial in creating a circular economy and waste sector emission reductions. Support would be needed for businesses to analyse their scope 3 emissions and to make sustainable decisions. This would encourage waste reductions and associated emissions through a more sustainable supply chain. Additionally, consumers would be able to make sustainable decisions based on companies who support circular economy and reducing their supply chain/operational emissions. The climate change plan highlights key areas for local authorities to consider- this is helpful in encouraging each local authority to produce a circular economy strategy with focus on the waste hierarchy. Renfrewshire Council has started work on producing a circular economy strategy. Scotland has high renewable energy production potential and should utilise this where possible. This will enable Scotland to not only use the generated power but could also sell any excess power generated, bringing in an income to further support the development of net zero practices within Scotland. Supporting Local Authorities to support and encourage community owned energy would be beneficial and ensure a just transition. We know transmission plans and network plans are underway to support this and Renfrewshire Council is supportive of this work.
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PUBLIC Business and Industrial Processes Question 12 What support do industries need to reduce their carbon emissions while remaining competitive? Agriculture and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Question 13 How can the Scottish Government encourage sustainable land use, that is also productive for local communities? Industries first need support in establishing their baseline emissions and continue to track annually. This would then give an indication of where emissions could be saved. Many do not know where to begin with net zero so a toolkit on understanding their emissions would be helpful. Financial support would also be required to encourage the implementation of net zero practices. This also links to a just transition. Support in ensuring the workforce is adaptable and have transferrable skills allowing them to remain in a competitive market. The green industrial strategy will prove beneficial in supporting businesses implement net zero. Supporting businesses with net zero innovation will encourage them to thrive in a competitive field. Support will be needed to industries which will face increased demand through the implementation of clean energy systems. Funding (as outlined in the plan) to encourage sustainable land use would help support local communities. Many sustainable practices are productive for local communities, especially those wanting to adapt to new, innovative ways. Encouraging sustainable food growth alongside shop local practices will ultimately lead to local communities investing in their own area, allowing for expansion of sustainable land use. Additionally, land use for biodiversity restoration would also be beneficial in local communities, as it would encourage communities to spend time in their local area (health and wellbeing, productivity etc.) and take ownership of the land. Incentives for sustainable land use and other nudge factors, will help support landowners, farmers etc. make sustainable choices. Education and awareness would also support this.
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PUBLIC Question 14 What do you think about our proposals for planting trees and restoring natural habitats like peatlands? Question 15 How can the Scottish Government support farming to become more climate-friendly while continuing to support food production and improve biodiversity? Section 3: Impact Assessments The following questions concern the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA), Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA), Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA), Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSD). The purpose of these impact assessments is to understand the effects of government policy on specific groups, including children and young people, island communities, business and equalities groups. Restoring natural habitats helps tackle the biodiversity and ecological emergency- Scotland has several native species; by encouraging the restoration of natural habitats, these species can thrive and support the different ecosystems across Scotland. Peatland areas would also act as a carbon store, having both ecological and climate related benefits. The plan outlines funding for peatland restoration, and the increased jobs produced, which is vital when supporting natural habitats. Tree planting, on a large scale (the plan aims for 21% woodland cover by 2032), would act as a carbon store as well as increasing natural habitats, providing shade through canopy cover (regulate local climate), reducing risk/impacts of flooding among others. Therefore, it is important to encourage tree planting as part of adaptation measures. Increase in jobs will be important to ensure this work progresses as well as supporting communities to adapt as part of a just transition. Incentives for farming would encourage the uptake of sustainable practices. There needs to be balance between being sustainable but also not being detrimental to the industry/livelihoods etc. the cost of sustainable practices will be a prohibitor in its implementation.
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PUBLIC Question 16 Which groups or communities do you think will be most affected by the transition to net zero, and in what ways? Question 17 How do you think the Climate Change Plan aligns with existing local, regional, or national priorities that you are aware of or involved in? Question 18 If you identified there could be negative impacts of the Climate Change Plan, are there any ways you think we could reduce that negative impact and if so, what would you recommend? As cost is a major barrier to the transition to net zero, those who do not have the available funds to install the necessary measures will be affected by this transition as they will be limited to what they can afford to do. Rural communities will also be affected by the transition as access to public transport tends to be less available and convenient. This is because, as part of a net zero society, encouragement to use public transport and active travel where possible is key to reducing emissions from transport. Those with protected characteristics (e.g. age, disability, race, etc.) may be most vulnerable to climate change impacts and therefore, may require more focussed support. The plan aligns with Renfrewshire Council’s Plan for Net Zero and the priority themes identified within this (sustainable travel, clean energy, circular economy, connected communities, and resilient place). The plan supports work currently being taken forward by the council such as improved EV infrastructure, adaptation work, community engagement, clean energy among others. It also helps support net zero targets both in Scotland and UK wide (as well as international agreements such as the Paris Agreement). The plan ensures all professional bodies working within sustainability related roles can provide the right support to communities to ensure a just transition. This plan will encourage positive change within Scotland and reinforce Scotland as a lead in for sustainability. N/A- no negative impact identified.
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PUBLIC Question 19 Please share any other quantitative data, or sources of this, to assist in developing the impact assessments: Question 20 Are there any previous examples or case studies we should consider when assessing potential impacts? Question 21 Can you think of any further positive or negative impacts, that are not covered in the impact assessments, that may result from the Climate Change Plan? Section 4: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) The following questions concern the SEA. There is a legal requirement to consult on the SEA Environmental Report (Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005). The purpose of the SEA is to assess the likely environmental effects of government policy, considers how negative impacts can be avoided or minimised and ways that positive effects can be enhanced. It would be beneficial to have local data for climate/climate vulnerability to identify areas/communities/groups/individuals most at risk of climate impacts (those where a just transition is even more vital). Some sources available include the met office, but work and funding is required to improve the available data and ensure plans are built on robust, reliable data. Case studies on climate vulnerability would be key- areas/communities impacted by flooding, forest fires, extreme heat etc. case studies should include a range of areas within Scotland. Examples of how to combat climate vulnerability would be useful for communities looking to adapt to climate change. N/A- no further impacts identified.
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PUBLIC Question 22 What are your views on the accuracy and scope of the environmental baseline set out in the environmental report? Are you aware of further information that could be used to inform the assessment findings? Question 23 What in your view are the most significant environmental effects which should be taken into account as the Draft Climate Change Plan is finalised? Question 24 What are your views on the predicted environmental effects as set out in the environmental report? Please share any other useful sources. The environmental baseline covers a wide scope including air, biodiversity, climatic factors, and population and human health. This is important when considering the impact of climate on communities, including vulnerable groups, and the associated adaptation measures required. The environmental baseline is accurate and is informative of the current issues requiring action from the Scottish Government. Climatic factors are one of the most significant environmental effects as the impacts, resulting from GHGs etc., can have considerable effects on other environmental factors such as human health, landscape, water, and buildings. All of which are covered within the Environmental Assessment Report. The overall reduction in GHGs will support the work proposed within the plan and ultimately achieve the carbon budgets set out by the Climate Change Committee. The predicted environmental effects will help support adaptation across Scotland. This highlights the potential impact on communities and individuals if climate impacts are not mitigated, emphasising the need for a robust climate change plan with a collaborative approach. The effects highlighted in the report, are impacts likely to be faced by Scotland if intervention and mitigation is not prioritised. These will help inform Local Authority Adaptation Plans. Renfrewshire Council are in the process of drafting a plan for Renfrewshire and these predicated impacts will be helpful when deciding which adaptation measures will be required.
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PUBLIC Question 25 What are your views on the proposals for mitigation, enhancement and monitoring of the environmental effects set out in the environmental report? Section 5: Monitoring emissions reductions The following questions concern the reporting of annual emissions reductions. Question 26 What are your views on the proposed approach to reporting annual emissions output and how this could support public understanding of Scotland’s progress towards achieving our Carbon Budgets? Question 27 How useful do you think reporting emissions statistics at a more detailed level (including at the sub-sectoral level), would be in helping people understand key sources of emissions, and our progress in reducing them? Combining the monitoring indicators of the climate plan and the environmental impacts is beneficial as early indication of issues/success can be monitored. Including monitoring of a just transition on annual reporting is vital to ensure Scotland adapts to climate change. Mitigation and enhancement have been considered within the climate change plan for each sector. These include woodland creation and energy infrastructure. Mitigating any potential negative impacts ensures communities are protected during the transition to net zero. Likewise, enhancing positive impacts further ensures a just transition. Using emissions data to track against the pathways and monitor progress towards the carbon budgets is key to helping everyone understand actual progress. This will provide real-time data and allow for effective positioning against the carbon budgets. The early-warning indicators currently used as part of the monitoring and evaluation of the plan are important in understanding progress towards each carbon budget. They are clear and highlight progress against each sector. These indicators also help the public understand where emissions reductions can be made and how they can support the overall carbon budgets/net zero target. Indicators can be compared year on year to clearly show progress made. Reporting detailed emissions statistics will be highly important to help everyone understand what they key sources of CO2e emissions are. This will provide information on where sectors can prioritise reductions and help focus where funding/support/polices etc. need be to ensure carbon budgets are on track to be met.
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PUBLIC Question 28 How might the use of timely indicators, as proposed, help people to understand what needs to be delivered to achieve our Carbon budgets, and to understand whether progress is on track? Section 6: Monitoring Just Transition The following questions concern the following 14 proposed indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the Climate Change Plan. 1. Participation in decision making 2. Community energy 3. Community benefits 4. Changes to places 5. Fuel poverty 6. Transport affordability 7. Socio-economic impact on oil and gas communities 8. Impact on household finances in oil and gas communities 9. Access to training for offshore oil and gas workers 10. Green jobs 11. Impact of energy prices on small businesses 12. Air pollution 13. Woodland creation 14. Peatland restoration Question 29 Please detail any specific changes that would improve any of the 14 proposed indicators, including any data sources not currently included within this framework that could provide a useful indicator of progress towards a just transition in Scotland on an annual basis. Timely indicators will be beneficial as they can provide up-to-date data indications and provide insight into predicted changes and trends. This helps highlight impact of policies etc. quicker than waiting for official annual data to be provided. Having an early indication helps keep public interest high and supportive. Timely indicators support the monitoring of the plan and allow for early reaction if further interventions are required. Include potential impact on vulnerable groups/communities/individuals to further ensure a just transition across Scotland. National levels of deprivation will help indicate progress towards a just transition and highlight areas of potential impact.
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PUBLIC Question 30 What are the most appropriate indicators for judging whether we are achieving meaningful public participation in decisions related to the climate? This includes both the quality of the participatory process itself, and the impact of that participation on the decision-making process. Question 31 What indicator would provide the best measure of the impact of net zero development in local communities across Scotland? For example, the impact of the installation of renewable energy infrastructure or other land use changes (e.g. through peatland restoration or tree planting). The number of individuals who respond to consultations and the number of respondents who support net zero practices. Increased opportunities also help support a just transition by ensuring those directly impacted can be involved in the decision-making process. Involvement would need to be accessible for everyone to be effective. The uptake of funding available to individuals following any public participation in decision-making would be an indication of how supported net zero practices are and how accessible financial support is Evidence of engagement / consultation leading to delivered and impactful interventions Number of people in fuel poverty (indication of renewable energy infrastructure)- % change- this could also be linked to the community owned energy indicator. Does having increased community and locally owned energy installations reduce the level of fuel poverty in the area and energy bills overall. This would also help increase support for net zero practices and support a just transition. Could also look at the amount of renewable energy generated to highlight net zero development and uptake of sustainable energy infrastructure. Awareness of net zero in local communities would also be a good indicator- how familiar are communities with the transition and the options available to them. This could link to the number of schools which offer bikeability programmes or similar to encourage and support children and young people to be confident in cycling. Additionally, this could also link to cycling infrastructure and active travel. Additionally, number of schools which are considered an eco-school as part of keep Scotland beautiful work would also be a good indicator- these are member schools which have been awarded the green flag award. Number of hectares of peatland restoration and number of trees planted against the population size would give an indication of land use changes and provide an understanding of the level of change. Also, species planted would be useful as some tree species are more suitable for carbon sequestration. Renfrewshire Council has a sustainable communities fund which has, so far, supported 14 community climate projects. Additionally, Renfrewshire Council also has an EV grant to support household with the installation of EV infrastructure (up to £3.5k). This helps local communities’ transition and could also be an indicator of the impact- how many community projects have been completed and will encourage the community to participate.
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PUBLIC Question 32 Ensuring positive outcomes for workers who have transitioned from jobs within high- carbon industries is central to delivering a just transition. What specific data or indicators could we use to monitor the extent to which workers in high-carbon industries are securing alternative employment? Question 33 What specific data or indicators could we use to meaningfully monitor the impact of the transition to net zero on the environment and biodiversity across Scotland on an annual basis? Number of workers employed in green jobs- low carbon, renewable energy, sustainability etc. vs Number of workers in high carbon intensive industriesRedundancy rate in high carbon intensive industries (this would give an indication of how many likely transition to sustainable practices and the number who do not). This would provide an indication of where skills and training should be enhanced to ensure those in high carbon jobs are able to secure employment in a low carbon role. Thus supporting the climate change plan. Number of native species present vs non-native invasive species (hectare of new biodiversity land use etc.) across Scotland. Establish a baseline and monitor progress annually- this could be done through reporting etc.