The Scottish Wildlife Trust has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland and called for more attention to be given to natural solutions to climate change.

Jo Pike, Chief Executive, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to reach net zero emissions in Scotland by 2045 at the latest. There is growing scientific evidence that this target is not only achievable but also vital to ensuring Scotland plays its part in averting the worst impacts of climate breakdown.

“It’s now absolutely essential to start helping people to see the crisis for nature and the climate crisis are inextricably linked. Climate change threatens people and wildlife alike. But it comes on top of many other threats to nature, such as pollution and loss of habitat, that have already led to drastic declines in biodiversity. Restoring ecosystems on a large scale can not only benefit nature, but will play a crucial role in helping us tackle climate change.

“Scotland has huge potential to lock up carbon through a range of natural solutions such as restoring peatlands, and enabling the expansion of native woodland. This must be combined with greater efforts to reduce emissions, including in sectors such as agriculture, and end our reliance on fossil fuels. We must also do more to tackle emissions from areas where more progress can be made, such as agriculture.

“We urge the Scottish Government to act now to put the all the mechanisms in place to make this world-leading ambition a reality, and we look forward to working with government and partners to help achieve this.”