New Report: Stepping up to Delivery
CERG’s new report invites the Scottish Government to reflect on why delivery of its climate commitments are off track, and how government needs to organise itself to enable better policy delivery.
The evidence is clear: Scotland is not reducing its greenhouse gas emissions or adapting to climate change fast enough. Scotland missed nine of its last thirteen annual emission reduction targets, and between 2021-22, emissions decreased by only 0.1%.
Progress on adapting to climate risks such as flooding and extreme weather events is too slow, and only just starting to receive the urgent priority within the Scottish Government it needs.
This situation is not inevitable.
At the Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG), we are a group of Scottish public, private and third-sector leaders offering robust, constructive solutions to the government to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis. In our new report published today, we invite the Scottish Government to reflect on why delivery is off course (and for many sectors has barely started); and how Government needs to organise itself to enable better policy delivery.
The report suggests new ways of working could turn this situation around, helping to ensure better value for money:
· Mandate a net zero and climate risk assessment processes to ensure spending decisions align with net zero and climate adaptation goals.
· Hold senior management accountable for how their division is delivering on climate change.
· Accelerate the Climate Delivery Framework between national and local government to coordinate local delivery and remove obstacles to investment.
With the intention of stimulating reflection and discussion, CERG identifies opportunities for a ‘mission control’ approach in three areas to cut emissions, grow the economy, and improve wellbeing. These include heat networks, reducing car dependency and building resilience to climate risks.
‘Scandinavian style’ piped heat in Scotland’s cities and towns are a key solution to making Scotland’s homes green and affordable to run. The private sector is keen to invest in this huge transformation now but it needs leadership, coordination, and support to develop strong business cases for implementation at scale.
Moving to more walking, cycling and public transport reduces emissions, enhances health, wellbeing and the local economy. The recent 11% rise in car traffic, alongside cuts to public transport and active travel budgets, is concerning. Delivery needs stronger accountability and alignment across government and a coordinated local delivery programme and engagement campaign involving health, planning, poverty, and transport interests to devise equitable solutions.
There’s an urgent need to protect communities from flooding and adapt our infrastructure. The costs of adapting to climate change in Scotland are estimated between £980m – £3.9bn by 2030. ‘Learning by doing’ and innovation projects would speed up investment and bring together public and private investors to design and deliver demonstrators.
CERG has chosen these areas as good places to start with a new ‘culture of delivery’. The First Minister has stated his desire for more action, which we welcome. It would not only help achieve Scotland’s vision of a fairer, greener, and more prosperous nation, but also demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling the climate crisis, which is particularly important as the parliament considers new climate legislation to address our inadequate progress to date.
CERG members stand ready to support the government in this effort.
