• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Transform Scotland

Transform Scotland

  • About Us
        • Our team
        • Our members
        • Contact us
        • About us

  • Our Work
        • Publications
        • Our projects
        • Consultancy
        • Cross Party Group
        • Our work

  • Latest
        • News
        • Alerts
        • Events
        • Latest

  • Join us
  • Donate

Climate emergency demands action from politicians on transport

26 June 2024

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Transform Scotland has today issued a parliamentary briefing to all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) ahead of this afternoon’s debate on the climate emergency.

The debate comes following the Government’s recent decision to ditch its climate targets.

Read our briefing below, which highlights the urgent need for action in the transport sector.

Key points

  • Transport remains the largest source of climate emissions in Scotland, accounting for 36% of the total – with next to no emissions reductions in the sector over the past 30 years.

  • The lack of concrete action to cut traffic is severely hindering Scotland’s ability to meet its legally-binding climate targets.

  • Recent cuts to active and public transport investments are undermining progress.

  • To achieve climate targets, the Scottish Government must accelerate plans for traffic reduction with clear policies and specific budget allocations.
REad the briefing

Policy officer Laura Hyde-White said:

“As a devolved issue, Scottish Ministers have more than enough power to tackle emissions from transport, the largest source of climate emissions. 

“Scotland has world-leading commitments to cut car traffic and increase support for walking, wheeling and cycling – but we must now see action from the Scottish Government to translate these into action on the ground.”

NewsClimate Policy Public transport

Share

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn
Back to Latest

Latest posts

How many oil shocks will it take before Scotland changes course?

10 July 2026

The recent disruption to global oil markets has reignited debate over fuel prices and energy security. Transform Scotland’s Emilia Lauder reflects on the 2026 Iran crisis and argues that reducing…

Read more

NewsCars Climate Equalities Investment Policy

Why Scotland’s next fleet is everyone’s business: Inside our cross-sector rail summit

18 June 2026

The challenge facing Scotland’s rail network is no longer about whether new trains are needed; it’s about how we actually deliver them. Scotland is running some of the oldest rolling…

Read more

NewsClimate Equalities Investment Policy Public transport

Edinburgh’s next tramline

15 June 2026

The publication of the City of Edinburgh Council’s North-South tram consultation results has renewed debate about the future of Edinburgh’s transport network. Transform policy advisor Nigel Bagshaw argues that extending…

Read more

NewsEqualities Policy Public transport

Scotland’s next trains: New paper sets out case for national investment plan

28 May 2026

Our new discussion paper sets out the critical need for a clear, ambitious investment plan to renew Scotland’s ageing train fleets. With ScotRail now operating the second oldest fleet in…

Read more

NewsPolicy Public transport

Sign up for email updates

We'll send you news on our work, plus other updates about how you can get involved in Scotland's campaign for sustainable transport.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookies policy
  • Credits
  • Accessibility
  • Work for us
  • Leave a legacy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn

© 2026 Transform Scotland is a registered Scottish charity (SC041516)