The Scottish Wildlife Trust welcomes the recommendations for tackling the climate emergency set out today by Scotland’s Climate Assembly.

The 81 recommendations made by the Assembly include maximising the potential of Scotland’s seas to lock up carbon, committing to higher levels of peatland restoration and native woodland creation, and transforming subsidies and incentives to encourage more sustainable land-use. The Assembly has also suggested a new National Nature Service to get more people involved in conservation projects.

The Trust’s Public Affairs Manager Bruce Wilson was one of more than 100 experts invited to give evidence to the Assembly earlier this year.

Ruchir Shah, Director of External Affairs, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “The recommendations from Scotland’s Climate Assembly show that people want to see much bolder action on to halt climate change and reverse the loss of nature. We hope that the Scottish Government will act on this report as part of a green and transformative recovery.

“The recommendations from Scotland’s Climate Assembly show that people want to see much bolder action on to halt climate change and reverse the loss of nature. We hope that the Scottish Government will act on this report as part of a green and transformative recovery.”

Ruchir Shah

“Restoring nature, both on land and in our seas, can make a substantial contribution to tackling climate change. We’re pleased to see many of the Assembly’s recommendations take account of the role of key nature-based solutions, including restoring peatlands and making the most of the ability of Scotland’s seas to store carbon.

“Encouraging more people from a diverse range of backgrounds to get hands-on with nature conservation is an important goal, and we would welcome the opportunity to be involved in the creation of a new National Nature Service.

“The interlinked crises facing nature and our climate affect everyone in Scotland so it is vital to include as many people as possible in shaping the solutions. Scotland’s Climate Assembly has demonstrated how to involve a diverse group of citizens in decision-making around climate change. We’d like to see this inclusive approach taken towards addressing the nature emergency.”