The past year has been a tough one for our planet. We’ve seen baking heat, water shortages, wildfires, and powerful storms everywhere. As we look to the future, what can we do to tackle climate change and create a greener world for everyone?
2025 is set to be one of the hottest years on record. This continues a troubling trend, with the last decade marking all the hottest years in history. Rising temperatures are mainly due to our reliance on fossil fuels. The warming climate has caused extreme weather events globally, including droughts, wildfires, and devastating storms.
In Scotland, the effects are clear. A long dry spell has led to water shortages and ruined harvests for many farmers. We’ve also seen significant wildfires, some of the worst in the nation’s history. The Arctic ice cap is melting faster than ever, impacting ecosystems far beyond its shores.
Despite the visible signs of climate change, misinformation is growing. Politically, there’s less agreement on how to address this urgent issue. The rising cost of living adds another layer of complexity, as many households struggle with soaring energy bills, largely due to unstable oil and gas prices.
The oil and gas sector in Scotland is feeling the pinch. In the past year, about 13,000 jobs have been lost in this field, partly due to the closure of key facilities. Support for green jobs is lacking, and the transition from fossil fuels to a low-carbon economy isn’t keeping pace with the need.
On the positive side, there have been steps forward in reducing emissions. The UK government has announced a ban on new oil and gas exploration, and the windfall tax on high oil prices has been retained. But not all news is good; the Scottish Government has paused its “Heat in Buildings Bill,” which was aimed at making homes more energy-efficient.
Globally, there have been wins for the environment. This past year, renewable energy sources like wind and solar surpassed coal as the top source of electricity, with major growth in China. Additionally, a pivotal ruling from the International Court of Justice affirmed that nations have a duty to act on climate change.
As we look ahead to 2026, what steps can Scotland take? Members of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) have proposed five essential actions:
Create a Strong Climate Change Plan: A robust strategy can drive energy efficiency and sustainability. Dr. Mike Robinson from SCCS stresses the need for homes and transport systems that are environmentally friendly and enhance public health.
Promote Community-Owned Renewable Energy: Encouraging local ownership of energy resources allows communities to benefit directly. Liz Murray from Community Energy Scotland highlights the importance of making sure the energy transition includes local residents.
Cancel New Oil and Gas Wells: Rosie Hampton from Friends of the Earth Scotland argues that opening new fields like Rosebank would undermine sustainable progress and detract from creating stable green jobs.
Tax Private Jets: Jamie Livingstone from Oxfam Scotland points out that private jets are a major source of pollution. Taxing them could generate substantial revenue for climate initiatives.
Support Climate Justice Funding: Ben Wilson from the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund advocates for compensation to developing countries that face severe climate impacts. These nations often contribute the least to climate change yet bear the brunt of its consequences.
As political parties prepare for the upcoming Holyrood election, Scots are eager to see commitments to tackling climate issues, along with addressing poverty and job creation. With many current parliamentarians retiring, new voices will be entering the conversation around climate action.
Dr. Robinson sums it up well: “We all want a safe and fair world. Urgent climate action is not just possible; it’s essential.”
