The Scottish Government has published its draft Climate Change Plan to 2040, outlining over 150 policies and proposals—including targets to decarbonise building heat by 2045 and phase out new fossil fuel cars by 2030—to meet carbon budgets while creating jobs and supporting growth.

The Scottish Government has published its draft Climate Change Plan to 2040, which details Scotland's pathway towards achieving net zero emissions. The plan sets out actions designed to meet the first three carbon budgets, aiming to benefit communities through cleaner air, warmer homes, and new job opportunities.

Scotland has already reduced its emissions by 51.3% since 1990, marking the largest reduction in the UK. The new draft plan builds on this progress with over 150 specific policies and proposals, including key construction and land use targets:

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Building Heat: Setting a target to decarbonise building heat systems by 2045.

Transport: Phasing out new diesel and petrol cars by 2030.

Woodland Creation: Increasing planting targets to 18,000 hectares every year by 2029/30, leading to 21% woodland cover in Scotland by 2032.

Peatland Restoration: Increasing restoration efforts by 10% each year up to 2030.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin emphasised the plan's dual purpose: "This draft plan includes over 150 actions across sectors such as transport, heat in buildings and agriculture that are key to achieving Scotland's net zero goal while supporting people to make and adjust to the changes required. We will not sacrifice people's health or wealth."

The independent Climate Change Committee has previously highlighted that between 30–60% of the emissions reduction required in Scotland will depend on collaboration in policy areas that are mostly reserved to the UK Government.

A public consultation on the proposals will run until the new year, giving everyone a voice in shaping the final plan.