Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change and it’s increasingly important for us all to consider how we travel from A to B, and when we can use more environmentally conscious transport options. When planning trips or meet ups with friends and family, or discussing with colleagues your commute to work, starting a conversation about how you travel can help normalise making more planet-friendly decisions when it comes to getting around. This page provides all you need to get those conversations going.
40% of Scotland’s transport emissions, our biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, comes from cars. During the pandemic, car use reduced dramatically, and many people noticed the benefits of living in quieter, safer and less polluted environments.
Considering over half of all journeys made in Scotland are under 5km, many of these journeys could be taken using active travel like walking, wheeling, or cycling to get around our local areas. Lockdown encouraged the Scottish public to adopt more of these alternative modes of transport, with the number of young people cycling for every day journeys increasing to 39% in 2021 and cycling increasing by 200% generally since lockdown.
For longer journeys, using public transport instead of our own cars can make a significant difference. In fact, one full double decker bus is the equivalent of removing 75 single occupancy cars from Scotland’s roads.
Electric vehicles emit between 17%-30% less greenhouse gas than petrol or diesel cars. It only takes 40 minutes to fully charge an electric car at a cost of £4-£10.
We can all make changes to how we travel that will help stop climate change. Spreading the word about these changes can encourage others to form different habits, which can in turn make Scotland a healthier, fairer, greener place to live for us and for future generations. Here are some key talking points to discuss with the people around you.
The Scottish Government has set a target to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030 not just to help address the climate emergency but to reduce inequalities, deliver inclusive economic growth and improve health and wellbeing. Find out more about the choices you can make to reduce your car travel using our handy guide.
We are investing heavily in active travel infrastructure. We have established pilot schemes to provide free bikes for school children who otherwise couldn’t afford one and are introducing safer speed limits in built up areas, as well as introducing low emission zones in four Scottish cities by May 2022 to encourage active travel.
Find more information and resources about Active Travel.
In addition to existing concessionary travel for disabled people and over-60s, from 31st of January 2022, everyone aged under 22 in Scotland will benefit from free bus travel. This will help embed more sustainable travel behaviours from a young age.
Find more information and resources about Public Transport.
We are phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 with the support of the Energy Saving Trust which provides expert advice on reducing transport costs and lowering emissions. Interest-free loans are also available for individuals thinking about buying an electric car, van or e-bike.
Find out more information and resources about Electric Vehicles.
What other climate conversations can you have?