Statement on Scotland’s Climate Assembly Recommendations for Action

25 Jun 2021

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has welcomed the publication yesterday of the Scotland’s Climate Assembly Recommendations for Action.

The Assembly brought together over 100 ordinary citizens from across Scotland to explore the question ‘How should Scotland change to tackle the climate emergency in an effective and fair way?’. The report urges ‘decisive leadership and strong, impartial cross-party collaboration and accountability’, highlighting that the pandemic has shown such action is possible in Scotland.

The College endorses the Assembly’s recommendations for action, which include a fair, equitable and transparent tax system to drive carbon emission reductions, investment in alternative fuels, and a focus on education around the climate emergency to support behavioral, vocational, and societal change.

We also support the Assembly’s view that the health and wellbeing of the Scottish people and environment should be considered alongside the measure of Gross Domestic product (GDP) when considering the wealth of our nation.

Lorraine Tulloch, Programme Lead, Obesity Action Scotland commented:

“Obesity Action Scotland were delighted to give evidence as part of the Scottish Climate Assembly sessions on diet and lifestyle. We welcome the value placed on the wellbeing of Scotland’s people and the support the recommendations to move to affordable, healthy, sustainable diets and the recognition that taxation has a role to play in achieving that.”

The report picks up on carbon emissions in the public sector in Scotland, setting the goal for all public sector buildings, vehicles, and supply chains to be net zero by 2030. Our National Health service should lead by example in achieving this goal, and we urge the Scottish Government to make the necessary investments to achieve this goal.

The Assembly rightfully states that addressing the climate emergency will require action from government, businesses, communities and individuals.

Professor Adrian Stanley, Vice President (Medical) of the College said:

“As a College we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions. We are conducting an audit of the current footprint of our College to inform our strategy to become a carbon neutral organisation.”

Category: Climate Change