Almost half of Scots say reaching net zero will improve their quality of life

The Scottish Climate Survey also found that almost three-quarters of those surveyed (72%) feel climate change is an immediate and urgent problem and almost all households have experienced a severe weather event in the past 12 months. 

More than 4,000 adults across Scotland shared their views on a range of climate-related issues, including transport, nature, preparing for the impacts of climate change and home energy.

The survey found that a third of households (33%) were finding it difficult to afford their energy bills whilst more than four in ten (42%) said they were having to cut back spending on food and other essentials to spend more on energy bills.​

People were also asked about their overall views on climate change and the impact of the transition to net zero. Almost half of adults (46%) reported feeling worried about climate change – with one in ten (11%) saying that their feelings about climate change had a negative effect on them most of the time.

Acting minister for climate action, Alasdair Allan, said: “The findings from this survey highlight that people recognise the benefits that reaching net zero by 2045 will bring.

“However, if we are to persuade people to back climate action wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and challenges but also demonstrate clear and direct household and community benefits where possible.

“Whilst the powers over energy price setting and regulation are reserved, we continue to prioritise support for the most vulnerable households through access to long-term, sustainable measures with our energy efficiency programmes. We are also calling on the UK Government to introduce targeted energy bill discounts to support those who need it most.

“Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions. However in order to reach our target, we need to work together more effectively, at all levels of Government and beyond – and the findings from this survey help demonstrate that Scots not only understand the seriousness of the climate crisis – but want to see action.

“That’s why we will continue to drive climate action that is fair, ambitious and effective at addressing the scale of the emergency which faces us.”