Popular policies for a fairer, healthier, greener Scotland

Introduce statutory, science-based carbon and material footprint targets, aiming to reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint to net zero by 2045, with progress reported annually

When the Scottish Government consulted on the Circular Economy Bill in 2022, 86% of responders supported consumption reduction targets.

While Scottish Ministers have been required to report occasionally on emissions attributable to Scottish consumption of goods and services since 2010, no specific targets to reduce these emissions currently exist. By focusing more on production and re-processing of resources in Scotland, this policy would benefit nature protection and restoration, as well as for local community wealth and health. Only by accounting for our global impact can Scotland play its part in a truly sustainable future.

For more information:

• The case for consumption-based targets, Friends of the Earth Scotland, 2022