The Scottish Government has released its draft Environment Strategy for public consultation, inviting views on proposals designed to enhance Scotland's environment for the benefit of community health, prosperity, and wellbeing. The strategy outlines opportunities for strengthening the economy and improving lives by restoring biodiversity, reducing pollution and waste, supporting national net-zero targets, and lessening Scotland's global environmental impact.

Key government actions within the draft plan include promoting a transition to a circular economy through material reuse, increasing renewable energy generation, and supporting industrial decarbonisation. Independent scenarios from Ernst and Young (EY) suggest that with appropriate support, Scotland's low-carbon and renewable energy sector could support nearly 80,000 jobs by 2050. Additionally, projects supported by the Nature Restoration Fund are highlighted for their role in improving physical and mental wellbeing by increasing access to nature.

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Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin emphasised the interlinked nature of these issues: "This draft Environment Strategy sets out ways in which Government action will help tackle the nature crisis, as well as reduce pollution and support our net zero targets. These issues are interlinked, and by tackling them together we can protect our planet in ways that improve people's health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and create new opportunities for business and investment."

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes added: "This draft Strategy shows how we can achieve both our environmental and our economic ambitions for Scotland, highlighting the business and investment opportunities that will flow as we move to a net zero, nature positive future."

The consultation encourages everyone with an interest to provide their feedback on the proposals.