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Stuart inspecting hay bales on Whitriggs Farm, The Scottish Borders

Land Use

Farmers are at the frontline of climate change, feeling the effects of extreme and unpredictable weather, but they can also be part of the climate solution. Agriculture is the dominant land use in Scotland and is associated with almost a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions. But our land is also our biggest natural defence against climate change. If we look after them, natural habitats, soils and vegetation have huge capacity to capture and store carbon.

We are working to secure policies that help farmers and land managers reduce emissions, lock up more carbon and allow nature to thrive.  Scotland could be at the forefront of the global transition to climate- and nature-friendly farming if it creates a fairer support system that empowers all farmers and crofters to produce food and deliver for nature, climate, and people.

We’re also working to ensure that our land soaks up the maximum amount of carbon in our soils, our peatlands and our woodlands. All this needs new policies, a regional approach, and a revolution in both financial and skills support for farmers and land managers.

A heat pump on the side of an Edinburgh home. Green foliage in the forefront.

Climate

Scotland was one of the first nations in the world to declare a climate emergency and set world-leading targets, but a lack of action has left Scotland’s climate journey dangerously off track.  

We have an opportunity to turn this around by calling for decisive political leadership to get Scotland back on track and unlock the positive impacts climate action can have on our health, jobs, and planet.

Now, more than ever, we need people across Scotland to come together and show political leaders that we are united for climate action.

Members of ELREC reintroducing oysters into the Firth of Forth from the side of a boat.

Nature

We’re the first generation to know we are destroying the world, and we could be the last that can do anything about it. The need for action is undeniable and urgent. We know how much nature matters to people and how access to thriving nature is vital to our wellbeing. Nature can restore itself if we give it a fighting chance.  

1 in 9 Scottish species is at risk of extinction, driven by climate change, agriculture, urbanisation and other environmental pressures. Much loved species such as hedgehogs, red squirrels and capercaillies are in danger. 

The nature and climate emergencies are interlinked and restoring nature can provide natural solutions to climate change, by capturing and locking away carbon, slowing flood water flow, storing water in times of drought and creating space for wildlife to move as the climate changes. 

We must act now to restore Scotland's nature. Join us in campaigning for vital funding and a new Natural Environment Bill with legally binding nature recovery targets.

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