Climate change plan needs more ‘speed and certainty’, say campaigners

Charities have criticised the Scottish Government’s new climate change plan and have called for an increase in the “speed and certainty” of action.

Climate Secretary Gillian Martin delivered the plan for 2026-2040 in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.

She confirmed funding for eight organisations through the Climate Engagement Fund in 2026-27, and funding for climate justice projects in parts of Africa.

She said: “Today I can confirm that we will provide £7.5 million of funding in the next financial year towards climate justice projects in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, building on the successes of previous programmes to deliver locally-led solutions that centre the needs of women, youth and people with disabilities.”

Ms Martin also warned of the need to stand against “wilfully disruptive and egregious voices” on anti-climate rhetoric, and made it clear there is a need for action against climate change.

She said: “There is no denying we are witnessing a concerning rise in anti-climate rhetoric. But this plan has proven the economic and social case for action. Those of us who believe in the need for climate action – the science behind it, and the economic imperative I’ve outlined – must stand firm against those wilfully disruptive and egregious voices.

“Just this week we have seen a new warning from the UN that the last 11 years were the Earth’s warmest on record. But we shouldn’t need any more warnings. The science is clear. We need to act and so it is essential that Parliament works together to deliver this plan and reach net zero with all the benefits that will bring.”

But charities were critical of the plan and the speed at which action will be delivered.

WWF Scotland said it is “extremely disappointing” there is not stronger action to cut emissions in areas such as heat in buildings and agriculture.

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, added: “We are already far behind where we need to be in tackling our changing climate and protecting people and nature from its devastating consequences.

“With an election just around the corner, we need all political parties to set out clear commitments on how they will step up action to deliver a fair and just transition for workers, communities and consumers.”

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said the plan needs to go further and faster.

He said: “Global instability and soaring oil and gas prices strongly reinforce why Scotland can’t afford to stay hooked on fossil fuels while continuing to bet on risky future technologies.

“Every step we take now towards clean energy reduces emissions, creates long-term jobs and cuts our exposure to crises like this: this isn’t just about climate action, it’s about stability, security, and protecting people – particularly those on low-incomes – from a damaging cycle of price shocks.

“This plan recognises the need for action now, but the speed and certainty of that action must increase. Ahead of the election, all parties must now be clear about how they’ll fairly fund that acceleration, including by making polluters pay, so we can all start to benefit from cleaner air, warmer homes, reliable public transport, and a Scotland fit for the future that thrives for generations to come.”

Opposition parties were also critical of the statement, with Scottish Conservative energy and environment spokesman Douglas Lumsden saying: “Back in November, I criticised the draft climate plan for being yet another SNP propaganda pamphlet which was heavy on rhetoric and light on detail, and the full plan is more of the same.

“With just one day to go before Parliament ends, we’ve been presented with more uncosted SNP proposals which will make hard-working Scots poorer.

“We still have no energy strategy at a time when household bills across the country are rising and it makes no sense to slap on additional costs by forcing Scots to rip out the gas boilers and abandon the petrol cars while sending more taxpayer money abroad.”

Scottish Labour net zero and energy spokeswoman Sarah Boyack said: “It is crucial that the next Scottish government has strong leadership and focuses on delivery, whether it’s ensuring people get support to make their homes warm and energy efficient and with solar heat pumps and heat networks.”