Climate emergency

What we're doing

Scotland’s forests and land are key in fighting the impact of the Climate Emergency and biodiversity loss. We’re already adapting how we work, but there are more opportunities to take action across our forests and land. And only by putting nature at the heart of our actions can we truly make a difference. To do this, we're using nature-based solutions and ensuring that biodiversity is a focus in everything we do. We manage 9% of Scotland: our work will go a long way to creating a sustainable country and reaching Net Zero.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is all the different varieties of life you’ll find in one area. The spread of animals, plants, fungi and bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species work together in a web to maintain balance and support life. By protecting and enhancing biodiversity, we can make forests and land that are better for wildlife and humans alike.

What is Net Zero?

Net Zero is a balance. Despite new cleaner technology, cutting emissions out completely is unfeasible. Net Zero is a state of balance which means an equivalent amount of emissions will be sequestered, as are emitted. The Scottish Government has committed to achieving a Net Zero society by 2045. This is five years ahead of the rest of the UK. Renewable energy can help to achieve this by providing energy with less emissions as can the planting of more trees which remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

The full plan

Our Climate Change Plan sets out how we currently work to mitigate the effects of the Climate Emergency, and what we plan to do in the future. The plan is available to download at:

Climate Change Plan (PDF)