Three quarters of Scottish public concerned about climate change

Environmental campaigners have commented on new public opinion research that shows three quarters of the Scottish public are concerned about climate breakdown

‘Environment Statistics from the Scottish Household Survey 2023’ was published today by the Scottish Government and it showed that 2023, 74% of adults agree that ‘climate change is an immediate and urgent problem’.

The figure did not change from 2022, but there has been a huge rise since 2013 when 46% agreed with the statement.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government passed legislation that will scrap critical 2030 targets to reduce climate emissions. Despite announcing plans to ditch these targets six months ago, Ministers have failed to bring forward any ramp up of the climate action that will improve lives and cut pollution.

Friends of the Earth Scotland climate campaigner Caroline Rance commented

“People are rightly concerned about climate breakdown and our politicians are failing to respond with the positive changes needed. Climate action is popular and can improve people’s lives, from better public transport to warmer homes and creating secure long term green jobs.

“Instead of speeding up this transformation, the Scottish Government has scrapped its legal commitments to cut climate pollution by 2030 and 2040. The record of cuts and watering down of climate action we’ve witnessed in recent months under John Swinney and Kate Forbes show that this Government is not interested in addressing people’s climate concerns.”

ENDS