A draft Climate Change Plan for 2026-2040 has been released by the Scottish Government includes details on their targets to reach their net zero targets for 2045; such as decarbonising building energy systems, phasing out combustion cars by 2030, improved woodland planting and further peatland restoration. The plan comes following a warning from Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, to MSP’s that Scotland was already being affected by the impacts of climate change; including wildfires, heatwaves and flooding, and that the Government needed to act.
The Scottish Government is aiming to reduce carbon emissions by an average of 57% across the next 5 years and 69% over the next 10 years when compared to the levels present in 1990. By 2040, the Government aims to have this reduction figure at 80%. This five-yearly carbon budget review was favoured after SNP Ministers were reportedly missing annual and interim targets; with the most recent data from 2023 showing that greenhouse gas emissions were currently down by 50%.
The strategy to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 involves a cease in production of newly built combustion vehicles, and the decarbonisation of heating systems in buildings by 2045 will see a move away from gas boilers in favour of the electric alternative. An improved plan for woodland planting includes a strategy to be planting 18,000 hectares of forestry per year by 2030, and further investment in peatland restoration will commence following a pledge to farmers that livestock numbers will not have to be limited.
The action plan is out for consultation until 29th January 2026, when responses will be considered before the final plan is confirmed. The proposal has received criticism from various groups such as Think Tank IPPR Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland, with claims that the plan does not help those struggling to pay their energy bills, support oil workers facing redundancy or answer any key questions. These climate policies will cost an estimated £4.8bn from 2026-2040, however the government claims that they will bring benefits of £42.3bn to the economy.
Gillian Martin MSP, who announced the strategy, referenced the untapped potential in renewable energy for the Scottish economy. As a renewable energy developer within Scotland, CWP Energy are proud to be a part of working with Scottish Ministers towards their net zero goals; bringing investment to the local economy and employment opportunities within the renewable sector.
