The evidence behind Scotland’s climate campaign
25 March 2026
How two household actions can make a significant impact
Almost three quarters of people in Scotland (72%) think that climate change is an immediate and urgent problem. But while concern is high, people are often less certain about which actions make the biggest impact to help reduce emissions – and why those particular actions are being encouraged.
That’s the thinking behind Scotland’s latest climate campaign, which puts two household actions at its heart:
- Driving petrol and diesel cars less
- Installing a heat pump
These weren’t chosen at random. They reflect where the evidence shows households can have the greatest impact. Here’s how that conclusion was reached.
The experts behind the advice
Independent advice on Scotland’s climate targets comes from the Climate Change Committee, the UK’s statutory climate advisory body.
Through its carbon budget assessments, which set limits on total emissions over time, the Committee evaluates whether climate targets are achievable based on technology, economic modelling, and behavioural evidence.
Its latest assessment concludes that focusing on sustainable travel and home heating is central to meeting Scotland’s net zero ambitions, while also delivering benefits such as warmer homes, cleaner air, and improved energy efficiency.
Sources:
Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland - 2025 report to Parliament – Climate Change Committee
What actions make the biggest impact?
Alongside the independent advice from the Climate Change Committee, Scotland’s latest climate campaign also draws on official emissions statistics. Together, these sources point to two areas that drive a large share of Scotland’s emissions: how we travel and how we heat our homes.
Transport is Scotland’s largest source of emissions, and cars account for around 40% of transport emissions. Home heating, particularly those using gas, is another major contributor, responsible for around a fifth of Scotland’s emissions (19%).
That’s why the campaign focuses on two household actions with the biggest potential impact: driving petrol and diesel cars less, and switching to a heat pump.
Sources:
Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2022 – gov.scot
Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2023 – gov.scot
Why driving petrol and diesel cars less makes a difference
Every journey made by a petrol or diesel car produces emissions. Since car travel is such a routine part of daily life, choosing to drive less — when possible — can reduce overall emissions.
In Scotland:
- Cars contribute around 40% of transport emissions
- Nearly half of car journeys are under 5km, distances often suitable for walking, wheeling, cycling, or public transport.
Reducing car use also brings wider benefits. Improvement in air quality linked to reduced vehicle emissions have helped Scotland meet legal air pollution limits in recent years. This is great news, because poor air quality is linked with more children being admitted to hospital with lung conditions. Active travel can also improve our physical and mental health.
Importantly, this isn’t about eliminating car travel. For many people, driving remains essential. The evidence simply shows that where alternatives are practical, choosing them can have a meaningful collective impact.
Sources:
Transport and Travel in Scotland Results from the Scottish Household Survey 2024 – Transport Scotland
Scotland meets air pollution limits thanks to clean air zones – Friends of the Earth Scotland
Children are more vulnerable to poor air quality, says Dundee study – BBC News
Why heat pumps make a difference
Home heating is a major part of Scotland’s emissions, accounting for around a fifth (19%). A large share of this comes from burning fossil fuels in boilers, particularly gas.
Heat pumps produce no direct emissions because they run on electricity, most of which comes from renewable sources in Scotland.
In 2023, nearly 90% of electricity generated in Scotland came from low-carbon sources like wind and solar, meaning the environmental benefits of electric heating continue to grow as the grid becomes cleaner.
As well as being great for the environment, heat pumps (alongside sufficient insulation) can improve the comfort of your home. Traditional boilers tend to cycle on and off, which can mean fluctuating temperatures. A heat pump in a well insulated home works alongside a thermostat to maintain a comfortable and consistent temperature, throughout the home, automatically adjusting how hard the heat pump works, according to how cold it is outside – improving home comfort.
Financial support is available to help households make the switch. Learn more about switching to a heat pump and grants and loans available through Home Energy Scotland
Sources:
Energy Statistics for Scotland - Q3 2024 – gov.scot
The full picture
Not all actions have the same impact on climate change. Driving petrol and diesel cars less and installing heat pumps make the biggest impact to reduce emissions in Scotland. But wherever you are right now, you can take action – and when we all make changes together, they add up to something powerful.
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