Hundreds of Scots have signed up to join a mass lobby on climate action which is being staged in Edinburgh this week.
It looks set to be the largest ever lobby on climate change to take place in Scotland.
More than 500 people from around the country have registered to meet their MSPs at a special event at Holyrood, where they will explain face-to-face how the climate and nature crises can be tackled in an affordable and fair way.
The public mobilisation comes amid growing concern about Scotland’s repeatedly missed emissions-reduction targets and our level of preparedness for climate impacts, following a number of recent extreme weather events in Scotland – from storms and flooding to major heatwaves and wildfire breakouts, which are made more likely due to climate change.
The event coincides with new research which reveals that three quarters of people in Scotland worry about climate change and more than two thirds want to see ambitious action.
This public demand for action comes ahead of the publication of Scotland’s vital new Climate Change Plan, which is due to be released by the Scottish Government later this year. The Plan will set out how ministers intend to meet our climate obligations, and will be published just months before the Scottish election.
All MSPs have been invited to participate in the climate lobby, with many having already confirmed they will be there to meet with constituents on 18 September.
The lobby will see people from all walks of life coming together to demonstrate their concern over the climate crisis, and their determination for Scotland to deliver ambitious action to protect current and future generations.
The event – being held at Dynamic Earth museum, next to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood – is organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS), a coalition of more than 70 charities and organisations, across all sections of society, that are united in their mission to tackle climate change and social injustice.
Emilia Hanna, mass lobby coordinator for SCCS, said: “This event is about showing the breadth and strength of public demand for urgent, fair climate action in Scotland, ahead of a new Climate Change Plan, and as political parties prepare their manifestos for the 2026 election.
She added: “Scotland is at a turning point and needs bolder climate leadership. Our climate plans are off track, and communities are already feeling the effects.
“We’ll be meeting MSPs face-to-face to demand real, practical action on climate change that supports people and nature to thrive, with warm homes, clean air, secure jobs and a safe climate future for all.”
Side events include workshops, guided walks and a selection of stalls.
Adrian Shaw, a PhD student at University of Glasgow, is travelling to Holyrood from Dalavich in Argyll to push for action on energy. He is bringing a draft parliamentary motion he hopes an MSP will take on, raising issues about the high cost of electricity – a problem that is becoming increasingly important across the Highlands and Islands.
Adrian believes the face-to-face approach is more effective than just writing letters.
He said: “We need to convince MSPs that they have support, to give them confidence to take on these challenges, and a personal approach is best. I hope to get MSPs to sign up to the motion and deliver real benefits for the climate and people in Argyll.”
New Data
A new survey by Climate Outreach has revealed public attitudes and concerns about climate change and green policies.
The results reveal that three out of four people in Scotland worry about climate change and more than two out of three want ambitious action.
The biggest fear for Scots is the harm climate change may do to nature and wildlife.
Its impact on the world’s poorest is the second highest concern (24%), followed by household bills rising as a result of climate change (22%).
Scotland’s wild areas and national parks are a great source of pride for more than eight out of 10 people, while two out of three say the offshore wind industry makes them proud to be Scottish.
A bigger proportion of the population are for the goal to reach net zero than against it, but the level of support has dropped in the past year amid a rising backlash against green policies from some groups and political parties.
However, the poll shows most people believe ambitious climate action and policies are a mark of strong leadership.
Emilia Hanna added: “People in Scotland continue to back climate action but this data strongly reinforces the need for strong and consistent political leadership. By showing that climate action can be delivered fairly as well as quickly, we can simultaneously reduce emissions and unlock the benefits of warmer homes, better health and long-term sustainable jobs.”