Programme for Government - WWF Scotland comment

Responding to the announcement of the Programme for Government [1] today, Lang Banks, Director of WWF Scotland said:

“We welcome the First Minister’s recommitment to prioritise action on climate and nature. However, this Programme for Government does not contain the strong, bold action we wanted to see and that our warming climate and Scotland’s hugely depleted natural environment needs.

“The inclusion of the Heat in Buildings Bill is very welcome, but unless strengthened considerably it will not deliver the step change revolution needed in how we heat our homes, reduce energy bills and cut emissions.

“The lack of any mention of help for farmers to adapt to our changing climate and embrace more nature-friendly farming practices or extending funding for nature restoration is disappointing. We must see funding for these key areas set out in the Budget.

"We will need to see the detail of what is proposed for some of Scotland's nature and environment agencies. However, anything that weakens our ability to tackle the climate and nature emergencies would be a major step backwards. There's a real danger that momentum will be lost at the very moment we need minds fully focussed on cutting pollution and restoring nature."