What is Scotland’s climate week?
What’s this all about?
Climate week is a campaign started in 2016 by the Scottish government to raise awareness of the climate emergency and celebrate Scotland’s leadership.
Every year businesses, schools, universities and communities of all types are invited to share their ambitions and achievements in fighting climate change.
Crucially, it’s an opportunity for us to consider the actions needed from all parts of society to achieve net zero.
This year, Scotland’s Climate Week runs from 23rd to 29th September 2024, which is also New York Climate Week.
Why does it matter?
While it can seem distant, climate change is harming people and nature around the world right now. Scotland is warming faster than expected and experiencing more storms, floods and droughts.
We can prevent further disruption and start to reverse this trend, but that means transforming many aspects of how we currently live – and fast.
Scotland has made good progress toward net zero: emissions of planet-heating gases have dropped by 50% since 1990. But there is much more to do.
Getting the remaining emissions down, especially those from transport and buildings, will depend on people changing their behaviour.
Climate Week is a chance to encourage more people to get involved and start taking action.
Will it focus on anything in particular?
The theme this year is Stories of Change.
Individuals, businesses and communities are being invited to share inspiring stories of how they’re adapting to climate change and helping to tackle it.
They can be a moving reminder that positive change is happening, and you are not alone.
- Perhaps you’ve recently insulated your home and noticed your energy bills drop?
- Maybe your business has published a net-zero strategy?
- What about that local initiative to restore a seagrass meadow*?
The message of Climate Week 2024: don’t keep those stories to yourself!
What is ECCI doing for Scotland’s climate week?
The Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS) is launching on 26th September, during Climate Week.
It’s an exciting new collaboration between Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and the Government’s Improvement Service to help Scotland’s 32 local authorities make climate change a central part of decision-making.
Starting on Monday 23rd September, we’ll share a new case study each day about a business who has attended Climate Springboard, our support programme for SMEs.
From heat pumps in the Highlands to going electric in East Lothian, we’ll dig into the gritty details of how a business gets to net-zero, one kilowatt-hour at a time.
📣 ‘Do it for yourself and the planet’ campaign
ECCI co-director Kate Donavan will be speaking on the radio to support the launch of a new Scottish Government campaign to educate Scots about the individual behaviours with the most impact on emissions – heating your home and driving a car.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
How can I get involved?
Read the Scotland’s Climate Week toolkit from the government’s Net Zero Nation website. Download it here.
If you’re a business, charity or other organisation, share your story of change on your website or social media using #ScotClimateWeek.
Don’t be put off if you've only taken a few small steps, like replacing your lights or adjusting the boiler. Be honest about the challenge. Thousands of people are in your situation and could be inspired to action by your story.
*Seagrass meadows are remarkable. They clean seawater, store carbon, protect coasts from storms, provide habitat for many species, preserve historical artefacts and are crucial for commercial fisheries.