Campaigners call for new nature law as three quarters of people in Scotland worried about natural environment
The overwhelming majority of people in Scotland have noticed environmental harm in their local area and are worried about the natural environment, according to new polling.
Two thirds say they have noticed the impact of climate change in their local area while 45% say they have noticed the impact of nature loss, such as fewer birds or insects.
A third of people in Scotland say they have noticed pollution in their local area. In total more than 8 in 10 had noticed at least one form of environmental harm in their local area, with only 18% saying they have not noticed climate change, nature loss or pollution.
The new polling, conducted by Diffley Partnership, also found that three quarters of people in Scotland say that they worry about the natural environment.
Leading environmental groups have said that the figures highlight the need for new legislation to protect Scotland’s natural environment.
A new campaign, Scotland Loves Nature, is calling for the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Programme for Government to commit to introducing legal targets to restore nature. The campaign is backed by 43 organisations including RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and WWF Scotland.
The polling also found that a majority of people in Scotland (58%) believe that their local area is vulnerable to climate change.
Coastal areas are judged to be most vulnerable, with 87% of Scots saying that coastal communities are very or fairly vulnerable to climate impacts.
Deborah Long, Chief Officer at Scottish Environment LINK, said:
“People across Scotland are deeply worried about the state of the natural environment and want the Scottish Government to act.
“Overwhelmingly people are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, nature loss and pollution. And they are worried that things will get worse unless we act now.
“Nature is the first line of defence against climate change and it is vital that we restore the health of the nature we depend on.
“The Scottish Government should commit to bringing forward a Natural Environment Bill and to introducing legal targets to restore nature at the earliest opportunity.”
Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “Nature matters to everyone. But it is in crisis. People are noticing the devastating impacts of climate change and habitat loss.
“Bumblebees and other pollinators are disappearing from gardens and areas once alive with birdsong are going quiet. Worryingly, one in nine species in Scotland are at risk of national extinction.
“Most of us have noticed changes to our climate. Extreme weather events such as flooding are happening more frequently, with alarming consequences.
“People want to see their politicians taking these issues seriously and providing solutions. We urge the Scottish Government to take urgent and meaningful action by bringing forward a Natural Environment Bill as soon as possible.”
ENDS
Polling figures covered in The Daily Record on 21st August 2024