Another year, another COP, and many feel very disheartened by the headlines that have come out of the conference in Belem, Brasil.
No clear route to end our reliance on fossil fuels and a total lack of engagement from US leadership has left a sour, if not unsurprising, taste in the mouth. Yes, an agreement was struck for countries who are experiencing the very real consequences of climate change to receive more financial support, but we all know more money and work is required.
COP is always a challenge, and COP30 is likely not to be one we remember fondly. But what we did see was 195 countries attend and 195 countries agree something that can be taken forward, even it was baby steps and not the leaps that are required.
However, despite events over the last fortnight, we need to recognise and be proud of Scotland’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis head-on.
Consider these facts: Scotland’s 2045 net zero target is five years ahead of the UK’s; our procurement system mandates each public body to seek sustainable impact from procurement and to report on this annually; and the recently published Climate Change Plan from the Scottish Government sets out the policies and proposals it will take forward to ensure its carbon budgets are met between 2026-2040.
The Climate Change Plan includes a commitment to tackling fuel poverty and protecting households on low incomes; promoting and developing renewable energy; and creating jobs and developing skills within the industry. It reaffirms Scotland’s role in delivering global climate justice and making good on our moral duty to protect and improve the lives of current and future generations, both in Scotland and overseas.
However, much like COP, the legislation isn’t perfect. We’re not able to hide our frustration and disappointment at the Scottish Government dropping its Heat in Buildings Bill for a second time. Despite five years of strategies, consultations, and commitments, homeowners in Scotland are still without the clarity they urgently need to prepare their homes for a low-carbon future. As a result, we’re running the risk of missing net zero targets and affordably warm, healthier homes.
Largely though, the Climate Change Plan strongly aligns with Changeworks’ mission to decarbonise Scotland’s homes to ensure a just transition to net zero. We have an ambitious target to help 180,000 households install and manage energy efficiency and low-carbon heating measures by 2030.
Over the last three years alone, we’ve provided energy-saving advice and measures to over 200,000 households across Scotland. In 2024-25, alongside our joint venture Warmworks, we saved 366,677 tonnes of carbon – equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of 655,809 UK households’ electricity use.
This work is vital, because when it comes to the energy efficiency of homes in the UK and Scotland, the numbers make for stark reading.
Across the UK, 61% of people living in social housing and 34% of the general population struggle to afford their energy bills. The UK has some of the leakiest and most inefficient homes in Europe. In Scotland, homes account for 13% of carbon emissions, and 39% of Scots say their home is often or always cold*.
As ever, even in the face of unsatisfactory outcomes at an international level, we will continue to deliver programmes that make people’s homes warmer and cheaper to heat. We will partner with organisations that share our vision for a decarbonised Scotland, and urge the Scottish and UK governments to produce and deliver legislation that makes homes healthier to live in and lower carbon emissions.
*Changeworks national-level polling data conducted by 56 Degree Insight, 28th March-1st April 2025 (n=1,007 adults)