We need to have a collective and just transition to net zero.
Climate action, fairness and opportunity must go together. Taking action to tackle climate change must make Scotland a healthier, more prosperous and more equal society, whilst restoring it’s natural environment – Just Transition Commission, 2021
“Climate change mitigation means avoiding and reducing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to prevent the planet from warming to more extreme temperatures” – WWF
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Energy
Energy
We need to transition to net zero technologies – for example, renewable energy including wind, solar, wave and hydro. There are many emerging low carbon technologies across Highland, including green hydrogen.
Transport
Transport
The Highlands is a big place and traveling around can be difficult. The transition to net zero must ensure inclusion and equality, to allow convenient access to the services we require. Active travel should be favoured for shorter journeys where possible, and we need to transition to low carbon transport.
Our buildings and how we heat them
Our buildings and how we heat them
We need to rapidly improve our building quality by ensuring homes are properly insulated and heated to minimise fuel poverty. You can find more advice and guidance at Home Energy Scotland and Changeworks.
Land & Sea
Land & Sea
The Highland landscape is known worldwide for its beauty and diversity. We need to protect and restore this landscape to ensure it is sequestering (capture and store) more carbon than it is releasing.
Industrial base
Industrial base
Highland has a long industrial history and in the transition to net zero, we need to ensure we decarbonise our industry and build local supply chains - thus securing green jobs in the region.
Consumption
Consumption
To truly end our contribution to the climate crisis, we need to rethink how we consume materials in Scotland and around the world. Around four-fifths of Scotland’s footprint comes from the products and materials we manufacture, use, and throw away. From individuals to communities, businesses, and governments – we all have a critical role to play.