Why is this National Outcome important?
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges to life, all round the world. The world has to address this, urgently, and Scotland must be sufficiently enlightened to take a global lead.
We face other increasing environmental pressures, too, such as rising levels of consumption and ever greater competition for natural resources - fossil fuels, air, timber, water and land - all of which are already under pressure. That position cannot continue.
The choices we make are critical to shaping a modern, successful and sustainable Scotland - and to maintaining a quality of life which retains and attracts talented people and investment. First and foremost, we must play our part in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which is why we have committed to reducing Scotland's emissions by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. We must also make moves towards becoming a 'zero-waste' society.
The drive to reduce the impact of climate change and use resources more efficiently will also have other positive advantages. It will create economic opportunities in renewable energies, from world-leading technology export and manufacturing opportunities in marine energy and deep-water offshore wind-power, to rural jobs in the installation and maintenance of renewable heat technologies. Improved efficiency in business using less energy, materials and water, and reducing waste, can reduce costs, make our economy more resilient and promote the competitiveness we need as a nation. Energy efficient homes can be warmer and cheaper to run, and households could save money by cutting avoidable food waste.
What will influence this National Outcome?
The current impacts and future threats posed by climate change have touched the consciousness of many people round the world. That, in itself, should motivate us to action.
Better public understanding needs to be translated into real changes in everyday actions - by businesses, public sector, voluntary and community groups and individuals. Government, its agencies and non-government partners will need to work together to communicate and achieve progress towards the goals of reduced climate change and more sustainable consumption.
We will need to make much greater use of the nation's substantial renewable energy resources. Alongside that we must act to reduce the emissions from transport, housing, business, land management and other sources. We must improve Scotland's record on waste prevention, waste management and recycling, and that is not a matter for government alone. The whole nation must become better informed consumers. And our schools, colleges and universities must all work alongside the business sector looking to increase public awareness and researching ways of improving our performance, developing new solutions and technologies.
When it comes to procurement, the public sector is a substantial purchaser in its own right. It can help influence markets, encourage the development of greener goods and services and demonstrate its commitment by ensuring that the whole of the public sector in Scotland pays full and appropriate regard to the environmental consequences of the goods and services it buys and provides.
What is the Government's role?
Government can lead the way and support change through its different roles: in providing information, developing policies, making regulations and in taking decisions that support low carbon activities.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets clear targets for reductions in emissions and we will ensure that the annual targets agreed by Parliament will be met. We will do this through our shift towards renewable energy, our focus on energy and resource efficiency, our focus on transition to a zero waste society, and our commitment to the Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services ( LCEGS) sector.
Our emissions reduction targets are ambitious, but achievable. Everyone - government, public sector, businesses and individuals - will need to play their part. We will increase the focus on individual behaviour through our public engagement so that everyone in Scotland is prepared and understands how they can make their contribution to meeting this challenge while helping bring down costs to households and businesses.
Related Strategic Objectives
Greener
Wealthier and Fairer
Safer and Stronger
Related National Indicators
Reduce Scotland's carbon footprint
Increase the proportion of journeys to work made by public or active transport
Reduce waste generated
Increase renewable electricity production