In our 4th blog of Sustainable September we felt it was only right to combine this week with Scotland’s Climate Week. So what is Scotland’s Climate Week and how can we contribute to it?

Scotland led the world in becoming one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency in 2019. The need to take action to tackle climate change is more urgent than ever. As part of a global effort to fight the climate emergency, Scotland has set an ambitious target to become ‘Net-Zero’ by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK.

What is Net Zero?

We’ve all heard of ‘Net Zero’ but what does it actually mean? It means the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions we put into the atmosphere and the amount we are able to take out will add up to zero. We can achieve this through a combination of emission reduction and emission removal. The video below by the National Grid UK explains Net Zero in less than 2 minutes!

The Climate Emergency

So now we know what Net Zero is, what is the climate emergency? Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing mankind. If global temperatures continue to rise at the current rate, we will see more extreme regional and seasonal temperature fluctuations, reduced snow cover and sea ice, intensified heavy rainfall, and the change or destruction of habitats for plants and animals.

These changes will have profound effects on our planet and all of us. In Scotland, we’re already witnessing these impacts. In recent years, we’ve experienced summer heatwaves, flooding, and unusually high winter temperatures.

The climate emergency is no longer a distant threat – it’s already here.

If we don’t take action to reduce our emmissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change there will be more;

• Catastrophic flooding – where our coastal towns, including our island, will flood more frequently. It is estimated that by 2080 the number of properties at risk of coastal flooding will increase by 90%. Flash floods will occur twice as often by 2070 as they did in 1990. Which means 2000 more properties will be at risk every year due to climate change.
• Biodiversity loss – Our peatlands, native woodlands, coastal and marine habitats have a vital role to play in taking carbon out of the atmosphere, adapting to climate change and reducing the risks of flood, drought and wildlife loss. Changes in land use and habitat loss mean our nature is in crisis – nearly 25% of our wildlife is lost and 11% of species in Scotland face extinction. Climate change is only making this worse.
• Life threatening rainstorms – If emissions are high, it’s estimated that by 2050 rainfall in Scotland could increase by up to 42% in winter and 24% in summer. Our drainage systems could be unable to cope, leading to flooding sudden and severe enough to cause danger to life. 

How can we tackle it?

We must firstly recognise that we have the tackle climate change together, as we can all make a difference. By changing our lifestyles to reduce our emissions as much as possible. So what changes can we make?

• Reduce our energy consumption – by changing to LED light bulbs, installing a smart thermostat and turning off lights, electronics and appliances when in use.
• Insulate our homes – insulation can help improve your homes energy efficiency and sustainability. It can keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer.
• Improve your heating system – more homes in Scotland are turning to renewables to generate their electricity or heating. Renewables use the sun. wind, ground or water to produce electricity and heat.
• Reduce your transport emissions – by choosing to bike, walk or take public transportation. Flying is the most carbon intensive way to travel.
• Reduce waste – by reducing what we buy, shopping cleverly, and meal planning you will be throwing away less.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions – by eating less meat and tackling deforestation.

How can Eco Savvy help you?

We are excited to announce that we have secured funding for a new energy project – Tackling Climate Change by Living Well for Less!

Our new project aims to support our community in improving energy efficiency and installing renewable energy systems like solar, wind, and hydropower. Building on past initiatives, we are introducing targeted activities to help residents and businesses embrace sustainable energy solutions. Like ‘Meet the Installer’ Community Workshops, Action Learning Groups, assist two community members in managing retrofit projects to improve their homes, as well as provide 6 Energy Performance Certificates Assessments and create a Directory of Sustainable Living. 

We’ll achieve this by using existing data to identify accredited providers of renewable energy, involve local businesses in workshops, and identify what services they currently offer and where they may need additional training and provide information and resources on the benefits of sustainable products and services, as well as available funding programmes. 

This will empower residents to make informed decisions and support projects that enhance their homes’ energy efficiency.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create a sustainable future for our community, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.

We plan to share our project outcomes with key policy makers. Which include the Scottish Government, the Ayrshire Hub network, and the Arran Island Plan Group. By demonstrating the success and impact of our initiatives, we hope to influence policies that promote sustainable energy solutions.

Our first event will be held in October. If you would like to be kept informed about our new project please email sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk to be added to the mailing list.

Farmers in Arran and Net Zero Arran

A group of farmers on the Isle of Arran, have begun to reduce their own carbon footprint to help create a blueprint for Scottish agriculture, and give themselves a commercial advantage in the process.

Net Zero Arran is a farmer led climate change group, focusing on mitigation of common issues and barriers to climate resilience. Like many businesses across Scotland, there are common issues affecting each business but, in an island setting these manifest unique challenges, but through collective action and incremental change, Arran strives to be Net Zero ready.