Public support for renewables increased in 2016

Turbine - image credit: PA

Support for action to reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy increased last year, according to new polling.

The survey, conducted by nfpSynergy on behalf of WWF Scotland, found that 68 per cent of people in Scotland want the Scottish Government to invest in projects that reduce emissions, like public transport and low carbon heat networks, up from 59 per cent in 2016.

Meanwhile 72 per cent believe ministers should be doing more to help people heat their homes from renewable sources, up from 59 per cent in 2016.

The number of Scots in support of renewables also increased from last year, with 71 per cent backing renewables as a source for electricity, compared with 61 per cent in 2016.

Eight per cent of respondents opposed investment in projects which reduce emissions, while five per cent rejected the idea of increasing investment in home energy efficiency.

Sarah Beattie-Smith, Climate and Energy Policy Officer at WWF Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see ever-growing support from the public for greater Scottish Government investment to reduce climate emissions. These survey results clearly show the need for strong climate action is an established priority for the people of Scotland.

“The forthcoming Climate Bill is a welcome opportunity to continue Scotland’s climate leadership and demonstrate the creative, imaginative, bold and radical policies that the First Minister has said will be set out in the next Programme for Government.

“We believe the forthcoming Climate Change Bill is can help to create jobs, improve public health and reduce poverty at home, whilst also ensuring Scotland plays its part in helping the poorest people in the world cope with the effects of climate change.

“These survey results should give politicians of all parties the confidence to be ambitious and take the steps needed to make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous society.”

The survey was based on a sample of 1,000 people living in Scotland, between May and June 2017.