The Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s latest assessment of the Scottish Government’s progress in reducing emissions has stated that the immediate climate targets are now within reach.

CCC’s latest assessment found that there are ‘credible plans’ and ‘plans with only some risks’ in place for 91 per cent of the emissions reduction needed to achieve Scotland’s First Carbon Budget (2026 to 2030).

Achievements include a rise in the roll-out of electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure, as well as the highest rates of peatland restoration seen to date, however CCC also notes that long-term policies for decarbonising buildings and NETs (negative emissions technologies) are lacking.

Nigel Topping CMG, chair of CCC, said: “The Committee is pleased to see that the Scottish Government has legislated new emissions reduction targets to reach net-zero by 2045 and drafted a plan to achieve them. The Scottish Government has the policy powers to make the majority of the required emissions reduction happen but only if they take action now.

“Electrification will take Scotland most of the way to net-zero, but to achieve this progress must extend action beyond the energy sector to electrifying cars, buildings, and industry. Low carbon home heating is a critical part of Scotland’s transition, and the next decade will be decisive for supply chains. Current plans for buildings are too slow and rely on a risky late 2030s catch-up. Scotland needs to accelerate the roll-out of heat pumps now.”

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