A YouGov poll, commissioned by the Scottish Government, has found that almost half of the Scottish public are already planning to make future changes to their lifestyle to help tackle climate change.
As Scotland prepares for the arrival of COP26, it’s hoped that businesses, organisations and individuals from all across Scotland will come together to make the changes needed for the country to reach net zero by 2045.
Almost half (46%) of the Scottish public said they were already planning to make changes, 20% said they were unsure on how to make changes and a just over athird (34%) of adults surveyed said that they have no plans to make any future lifestyle changes.
To demonstrate the role that individuals and communities can play in reaching net zero, the Scottish Government has created a sustainable, glowing zero artwork which is currently touring Scotland’s cities.
The hope is that it will shine a light on projects across Scotland that are already bringing people together to create change and support their communities.
The COP26 summit is believed to be the best chance of securing global action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
The twin crises of climate change and nature loss are the greatest threats facing the planet and are already impacting communities throughout Scotland.
As all eyes will be on Scotland, a new national poll has revealed that many people across the country now recognise the need to play their part and that improving climate awareness and understanding the support available, remains vital for helping people to make changes.
The Scottish Government’s Let Do Net Zero campaign aims to provide the necessary information and support to help more people make the changes needed across all levels of society and showcases inspiring examples of businesses, enterprises, community groups and individuals leading the way.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said, “Scotland was one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency, and as a nation we have already made great progress in tackling climate change.
“We have halved Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions, and we are determined to reach net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
“Ending our contribution to the climate emergency within a generation will require transformational change across all parts of the economy and society.
“This campaign seeks to shine a light on the positive action taking place right across the country to inspire greater action and the Scottish Government will play its part to support people in Scotland to make these changes.”
Environmental Scientist and climate activist Laura Young (Less Waste Laura) is an advocate for encouraging people to adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle and will be taking part in the blue zone at COP26.
She said: “There is so much good work happening and momentum has really grown in recent years, and this is hugely encouraging.
“But everyone needs to keep playing their part to drive real change and help Scotland reach net zero.
“We are already used to doing some things that help combat climate change, such as food waste recycling, but there may be things that people have not even considered such as making sure their gardens help biodiversity or repairing and reusing their clothes and homewares rather than throwing them away.
“Every ounce of carbon that we save adds up to help get us to net zero.”
To find information on how to take action, make changes and the support available visit, www.netzeronation.scot
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