02 Weather and Climate Change
Saving energy
Scotland’s demands for energy continue to grow but the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, passed in 2009, sets out clear targets for greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by 42% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. This includes a commitment to cut emissions by at least 3% each year from 2020 onwards.
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Being more energy efficient and reducing the energy we use is perhaps the quickest and most effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet these targets and the Scottish Government is developing national strategies to improve energy efficiencies across all sectors.
Local authorities now have legal commitments to cut their carbon, and schools buildings which are responsible for up to 50% of emissions from local authorities, have an important role to play in meeting this challenge.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
It’s important to remember that producing, transporting, packaging and disposing of consumer goods requires substantial amounts of energy and if we are to tackle climate change then we need to rethink our lifestyles and consumer habits by:
Reducing the energy we use, items we consume and waste we produce. This will also help support Scotland’s zero waste action plan
Reusing the things we buy and trying to recapture the make and mend culture of 50 years ago
Recycling everything possible including: paper, plastic, cans, cardboard, glass, batteries, mobile phones, toner cartridges etc. Online auctions, charity shops and online freecycle services can help find a new home for possessions no longer required.
Reflective questions
- How can we encourage learners to think critically and creatively and make a positive difference to the world by putting their beliefs and values into action?
- How can we help learners understand the interdependence between people, the environment, and the impacts of actions, both local and global?
- How can we motivate children and young people to become informed consumers and producers who have an appreciation of the merits and impacts of products and services?
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