over 80% of our carbon footprint comes from the goods and services we consume...

Changing society for people and the planet

Under Sturgeon, Scotland joined the Wellbeing Economy Governments group, along with Canada, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand and Wales. This small band of nations expressed the desire to take a more holistic view of economic success, looking beyond GDP and growth for growth's sake to measure progress in relation to broader environmental, social and economic priorities

Though this ambition is reflected across Scottish Government language, the National Strategy for Economic Transformation merely pays lip service to the idea, relying instead on the conventional economic thinking that is driving the climate and nature breakdown, and the cost of living crisis.

Furthermore, there has been a notable failure to champion legislation to move to a more circular economy, with repeated delays and real concerns that it will not begin to address the huge climate impact of Scotland’s consumption habits. When you consider that over 80% of our carbon footprint comes from the goods and services we consume – many of which are made outside of Scotland – this is a key missing piece in our efforts to do our fair share in tackling the climate crisis Humza Yousaf must ensure that the bill is brought forward this term, and that it includes targets to reduce our material and carbon footprints.

In response to the stripping away of rights and protections anticipated following the Brexit vote, Sturgeon has long championed legislation to enshrine human rights in Scots Law. Crucially, the Scottish Government has committed to include the right to a healthy environment within these protections This would lead to a step change in the way that public bodies and private companies are held to account over harm to human health and the environment. We are yet to see this (again, much delayed) legislation come forward – Sturgeon’s successor must commit to continuing with this vital reform

People power works

None of the progress outlined here would have been made if it wasn't for the powerful efforts of campaigners, communities, NGOs and ordinary folk who put the pressure on Nicola Sturgeon and her government over the past eight years The climate movement has grown massively in that time, and greater collaboration with trade unions and human rights organisations has also helped bring results We will continue to use the power we have built together to push for action across these issues, and we’ll make sure Humza Yousaf hears us.