A newly published Scottish Climate Survey reveals that nearly half of Scots believe reaching net zero emissions by 2045 will improve their quality of life, signaling growing public optimism amid the climate crisis. The survey, conducted with over 4,000 adults across Scotland, also highlights widespread concern about climate change, energy affordability challenges, and the urgent need for collaborative action to achieve a just and effective transition.
The survey found that 44% of respondents expect the transition to net zero to enhance their quality of life by 2045, compared to just 10% who fear it might make life worse. This optimism is significant given the scale of change required to meet Scotland’s ambitious climate targets. Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan remarked that these findings show people recognise the benefits of reaching net zero but emphasised the need to communicate clearly about both the challenges and direct community advantages to secure wholehearted public support.
Almost three-quarters (72%) of Scots regard climate change as an immediate and urgent problem, with only 13% viewing it as a future issue. This sense of urgency is reflected in everyday experiences: nearly all households reported encountering severe weather events such as storms, heavy rain, and cold snaps in the past year. Despite this, many feel unprepared for future events, with just 59% and 64% feeling ready for storms and heavy rain respectively.
Among those affected by severe weather, common impacts include property damage (21%), disruption to socialising with family and friends (21%), restricted access to outdoor spaces (20%), and negative effects on mental health (19%). These findings underscore the tangible consequences of climate change on daily lives and wellbeing, reinforcing the need for robust adaptation measures.
Energy costs remain a pressing concern. One-third of households reported difficulty affording energy bills, while over 40% admitted cutting back on essentials like food to cover rising energy expenses. This financial strain complicates the transition to net zero, as many face immediate economic pressures alongside long-term climate goals.
While many Scots take climate change seriously, the survey found relatively low uptake of adaptation actions, especially flood resilience measures, installed by only 3% of households. Common adaptation steps included closing blinds during warm weather (47%) and signing up for weather alerts (27%). Barriers to adaptation include limited knowledge (36%), perceived costs (33%), and a belief that such measures are unnecessary for their homes (32%).
On mitigation, recycling was the most widely recognised effective action (62%), followed by home energy efficiency (51%), reducing food waste (49%), and lowering electricity use (48%). Two-thirds of respondents reported thinking about the environmental impact of their daily actions at least sometimes, though a third rarely or never do so.
Transport habits reveal a mix of willingness and perceived social norms. While 65% of vehicle owners sometimes choose to walk, cycle, or wheel instead of driving, 63% felt that such behaviours were uncommon among their acquaintances. Car sharing was less frequent, with only a third participating sometimes or often.
Community involvement in transport decisions remains limited: only 23% had engaged in local transport decision-making in the past year, though 18% expressed willingness to participate in the future. Many prefer others to make these decisions or do not prioritise spending time on them.
Most households (83%) have some form of insulation, predominantly loft insulation, but uptake of renewable heating systems like heat pumps remains low (under 5%). Cost and lack of interest were cited as main barriers to installing heat pumps. Among those with heat pumps, 59% reported warmer homes and 49% noted savings on energy bills, though some experienced colder homes or higher bills post-installation.
Dietary shifts toward sustainability show moderate adoption: 29% often prepare meat-free meals at home, while 17% choose meat-free options when dining out. Over half intentionally buy seasonal produce, and 36% buy locally produced food, with rural residents and older adults more likely to do so.
Despite strong engagement with local green and blue spaces (62% visit at least weekly), awareness of Scotland’s biodiversity crisis is low, with 77% knowing little or nothing about it. Most agree that access to nature benefits mental and physical health (86%). However, disadvantaged groups such as disabled people, tenants, and those in deprived areas are less likely to access these spaces.
The transition’s impact on jobs is mixed. Two in five respondents believe their job has been or will be affected by net zero, with 7% reporting changes already, 29% expecting future changes, and 4% fearing their job may disappear. Views on whether net zero will create or reduce jobs were varied, with many unsure or expecting no significant difference.
The Scottish Government, halfway to its net zero target, continues to lead the UK in emissions reductions but stresses the need for collective effort across all levels of government and society. Acting Minister Allan highlighted ongoing support for vulnerable households through energy efficiency programmes and called on the UK Government to introduce targeted energy bill discounts to ease cost-of-living pressures.
First Minister John Swinney has emphasised a just transition approach, pledging that no community will be abandoned and underscoring the importance of safeguarding jobs and livelihoods during the shift to net zero. The government is investing significantly in climate action, innovation, and social enterprise to ensure the benefits of the transition are widely shared.
The Scottish Climate Survey paints a picture of a population deeply aware of the climate emergency and generally supportive of the net zero transition as a means to improve quality of life. However, it also reveals the real challenges faced by households, from energy affordability to adapting to severe weather, and the need for clear communication of benefits alongside practical support.
The survey’s insights will be crucial in shaping policies that are fair, ambitious, and effective—ensuring that climate action delivers tangible improvements for people’s lives while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
This comprehensive snapshot of Scottish public opinion on climate change and net zero highlights both the hope and hurdles ahead, setting the stage for collaborative efforts to build a sustainable, resilient Scotland by 2045.
