The Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s latest assessment of the Scottish Government’s progress in reducing emissions found that there are ‘credible plans’ and ‘plans with only some risks’ in place for 91% of the emissions reduction needed to achieve Scotland’s First Carbon Budget (2026 to 2030). Action in several areas has improved in the last two years. 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.
Long-term policies for decarbonising buildings and NETs (Negative Emissions Technologies) are lacking. This is a cause for concern and puts the carbon budgets that start in 2031 at risk. Action is needed now to mitigate this.
Nigel Topping CMG, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said:
“The Committee is pleased to see that the Scottish Government has legislated new emissions reduction targets to reach Net Zero by 2045 and – crucially – 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.”
The Committee’s key findings are:
Greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland fell 2.6% between 2021 and 2023. They are now less than half the levels seen in 1990. Scotland’s territorial greenhouse gas emissions were 39.6 MtCO2e in 2023. Progress is being made in key areas. Electric vehicles on the road increased by 38% in the year to September 2025, peatland restoration almost doubled over a two-year period to 14,900 hectares in 2024/25, and there was an 18% increase in heat pump installations between 2023 and 2024. There are significant risks and gaps in policy for the Second (2031 to 2035) and Third (2036 to 2040) Carbon Budgets.18 priority recommendations are featured in the report. Core themes requiring particular focus over the coming year include:
A credible final Climate Change Plan (CCP). Scotland’s draft plan needs improvements, including clearer assumptions for peatlands, building energy use, and how temporary energy saving behaviours will be maintained. It should include annual indicators and sectoral emissions pathways, and contingency options.
A clear plan for decarbonising home heating. Funding announced in the Scottish Budget 2026-27 must be confirmed and extended beyond the next financial year. The upcoming Heat in Buildings Strategy and Delivery Plan should be published as soon as possible this year and could include a combination of continued financial support, regulation, skills development and public engagement. Clear plans for heat networks are also needed. It should include minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes and a strategy for decarbonising tenements, which make up around 25% of Scottish homes.
A strategy for delivering land use changes. Scotland leads the UK on planting new woodlands and restoring peatlands, but delivery is inconsistent. The upcoming Fourth Land Use Strategy needs to be clear on the types and locations of land that will be needed for each action, taking a joined-up approach with agriculture. Rapid transition to electric transport. Scotland’s draft CCP sees a rapid acceleration in electric vehicles sales. We expect this to be possible, but it requires continued expansion of public charge points across the country, strong public engagement, and should be complemented by improvements to public transport.
Confidence in the delivery of negative emissions technologies (NETs). The Scottish Government has chosen a pathway with a significant level of reliance on NETs. The Scottish Government should publish a delivery plan setting out the expected role of each technology and the actions required to deliver them. A co-ordinated approach with the UK Government and plans for UK-wide NETs will be needed.
Engagement and proactive transition plans. Public engagement should have more emphasis on the most impactful low-carbon household choices. Proactive transition plans must be agreed with communities, workers, and businesses likely to be affected by the shift away from fossil fuels.
The post Scotland’s plan means immediate climate targets are now within reach, says CCC appeared first on Climate Change Committee.
seen at 11:47, 25 February in Climate Change Committee.