‘Scotland does not have an ambition problem on climate and nature. It has a delivery problem.’
‘Scotland does not have an ambition problem on climate and nature. It has a delivery problem.’
CERG were delighted to join Scottish Environment Link for the ‘Promises to Progress: Delivering for Climate and Nature Event’ last week in Edinburgh.
We discussed the gap between commitments and delivery on the ground – and why climate and nature cannot be tackled as separate crises through separate policy silos.
Decisions about land use, infrastructure, housing, transport, public spending and economic development affect emissions, resilience, biodiversity, communities and the economy at the same time.
Kirstie Shirra and Kate Studd from CERG highlighted three priorities:
- Clarity and Certainty: policies and plans that give investors and delivery partners clarity on roles, responsibilities and timelines.
- Capacity and Coordination: investment in the mechanisms needed to deliver at pace and scale – including regional coordination, skills, supply chains, finance and community support.
- Joined-up decision-making and delivery: changes in how Government decisions are made and delivery is organised so that multiple benefits are achieved as standard.
Huge thanks to CERG member Sarah Beattie-Smith for chairing the event – and for opening with a powerful story about fuel poverty. It was an important reminder that lack of action, policy delays and uncertainty aren’t just about missed deadlines or changes to a timetable. They can have real consequences for people.
