SCOTLAND has a proud history of tackling challenges head-on with energy, innovation and entrepreneurialism. In the 21st century, it is becoming clear that understanding and countering the challenges caused by climate change is top of the agenda across the world – and Scotland is helping to lead the way.

We are changing the way we use and generate power, we are changing attitudes to consumption and we are setting out a vision for a sustainable future for all.

The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, Third Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP3) reported in 2018 that the country was well on its way to its target of generating 100% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020 and 50% of all energy for heat, transport and electricity consumption by 2030.

Earlier this year The Herald launched its Climate For Change campaign in Business HQ because we believe it is vital to support efforts being made by The Scottish Government as well as key organisations and campaign partners Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Zero Waste Scotland and Low Carbon Scotland.

In today’s Herald newspaper we are proud to be highlighting the Climate For Change campaign.

Throughout the coming year we will provide a forum in The Herald newspaper, online at herald.

scotland.com and in Business HQ with regular updates covering the news and significant developments in this crucial area.

David McCann, News Editor of The Herald explained: “We are experiencing increasingly bizarre weather patterns which appear to be progressively extreme but evermore commonplace. At The Herald, we endeavour to not only break the biggest news stories but to also explain context and nuance while attempting to analyse how and why certain events have unfolded. We are proud to publish a series of articles promoting the tireless efforts of Scotland’s top environmental groups working to protect our planet.”

At the heart of the country’s contribution to the global challenge is a commitment by the Scottish government to move towards a sustainable future.

Roseanna Cunningham, the Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, believes that setting a 90% target for greenhouse gas emission by 2050 is the right strategy, and one that will result in increased prosperity for the country as whole.

She said: “Our environment and economy are intrinsically linked, and Scotland’s transition to a more prosperous, low carbon economy is already well under way.

“By increasing our long-term targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050, the new Climate Change Bill will continue to provide the necessary certainty and impetus to markets, businesses and industries to shift towards low-carbon technologies and practices.”

Zero Waste Scotland gathers evidence and informs policy on climate change, providing expert guidance, training and resources. Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, believes Scottish communities have the potential make profound changes.

He said: “Zero Waste Scotland is delighted to be involved, along with key partners, in The Herald’s Climate for Change campaign. It’s a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of the full range of ambitious environmental actions Scotland is committed to as a nation.

Importantly, these commitments are underpinned by the potential of striking economic benefits too, and – as Scotland is a front-runner in the development of a circular economy – there are plenty examples of action having an impact in Scotland right now to highlight.

“The changes we need to make collectively are profound – from tackling food waste and increasing recycling to helping Scottish businesses be more efficient and innovative and developing a Scottish deposit return scheme for drinks containers.” One of the aims of the Climate For Change campaign is also to highlight successful projects being trialled, in order to encourage other nations, both within the UK and beyond, to make their own contribution.

Low Carbon Scotland & Britain is hosting a conference in London to address the current carbon reduction position and to enable those leading and driving policies and proposals to share their vision.

Lee Etchells, of Low Carbon Scotland & Britain said: “We decided to partner with The Herald’s Climate for Change campaign as we strongly believe that more attention needs to be focused on highlighting successful projects which can be used as knowledge transfer in educating those who don’t really understand the dramatic impact and effect which climate change is having upon everyday life.

“Scotland is a world leader in tacking climate change and its transition to a more prosperous, low carbon economy is already under way … it’s now time for other countries and governments to take note and then follow suit.”

Climate For Change event, pictured outside the Herald & Times offices are, from left:

Paul Fletcher, Enabling Innovation. 
Martin Grey, Head of Communications, SEPA. 
David Ward, Head of Branded Content, The Herald. 
Lorna Bryce, Communications Manager, SEPA.
Tony Carlin, Consultant Editor, The Herald. 
William Bain, Deputy Editor, Special Projects, The Herald. 
Stephen McTaggart, Business Channel Specialist.