The recent report on Scotland’s Carbon Budgets from the Climate Change Committee sets out an ambitious and clear pathway for the Scottish Government to reduce carbon emissions across all sectors. The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) welcomes both the new targets, and the value placed on nature-based solutions.
The CSGN particularly welcomes the suggested focus on the creation of new woodland and forests. Programmes like the Clyde Climate Forest are an important delivery mechanism for tree planting, but are also key environmental regeneration projects fostering connections between people and greenspaces.
A balanced approach to reducing carbon emissions will not only accelerate progress toward net zero targets, but also deliver wider benefits for climate resilience, health and wellbeing, tourism and green jobs.
Carol Ritchie, CSGN Programme Manager says:
“This report shows the way toward the more sustainable, nature positive and climate-adapted landscape and society we want to see for Scotland. Nature has a huge part to play on this journey, but it needs time. Delays in policy and funding compromise the ambition of climate change targets, and prevent delivery on the ground. It is crucial that we act now, and at pace, to maximise impact for the years to come.
A more cohesive and connected network across Central Scotland can share, learn and find solutions that will move climate targets into plans, and deliver action on the ground. The Central Scotland Green Network will continue to work with partners and Scottish Government to develop the strategic and cohesive nature-based solutions needed to reach Net Zero.”
