Evaluating Scotland’s new SNP-Green deal: A step towards tackling the climate crisis?

It is undeniable that climate change is one of Scotland’s most pressing issues. There is now a greater need than ever before to implement strong climate action, and it is possible that the Covid-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for the country to undergo a ‘green recovery’. It was a welcomed move by many to see a co-operation agreement set in place by the SNP and Scottish Greens party in August 2021, which will see both parties work together in Holyrood, with a stronger emphasis on tackling and overcoming Scotland’s environmental challenges. This co-operation has the potential to place Scotland on track for becoming a greener, fairer, and more prosperous country with two parties working together for the common good. However, doubts remain as to whether this agreement will be successful in meeting Scotland’s climate targets, as it is clear to see many of the targets are extremely ambitious, requiring hard work and new changes for many aspects of society. This article seeks to evaluate the SNP-Green deal by discussing Scotland’s current and past progress on meeting climate targets, the benefits of the new deal, considering its limitation, and ultimately whether it will bring the country a step closer towards tackling the climate crisis.

Scotland’s Green Potential:

Scotland is highly valued for having a surplus of renewable energy sources. The country is being transformed through an energy transition, as renewable resources are being utilized through new developments and infrastructure (Munro, 2019). Scotland is recognised to be leading the UK with regards to having the greatest concentration of green related jobs, with approximately 21,000 opportunities in green related employment (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, 2021). Additionally, Scotland has the largest number of higher education students in the UK studying a green related degree such as engineering, technology, and planning (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, 2021). Hence, it is clear Scotland does have the potential for an accomplished green economy, as it has the resources and a growing population of skilled individuals. However, Scotland has not always been so successful in meeting its environmental targets. In 2019, figures revealed that Scotland missed out on reaching its carbon emission reduction target for the third year (Lazarowicz, 2021). Additionally, in 2020 Scotland missed its target of generating 100% of its electricity from renewables. However, it was not far off with 97.4% of electricity demand being generated by renewables. Scotland has progressed rather significantly considering only 37% of electricity demand was generated by renewables in 2011. Therefore, it is obvious why Scotland is recognised as having some of the most ambitious climate targets worldwide, with the ultimate target of reaching net zero emissions by 2045 (Hodson et al, 2015). An important goal to note is that by 2030 ministers want renewable energy production to equate to 50% of energy demand across transport, heat, and electricity (Scottish Government, 2019). To achieve this, it is imperative the government work efficiently and closely with industries to ensure full potential is met. Thus, the new SNP-Green deal brings a great opportunity to embrace this challenge and realise Scotland’s potential as a ‘greener’ country.

Introducing the SNP-Green Deal:

The co-operation of the SNP and Scottish Green party was announced in August 2021, meaning each party will work together closely at Holyrood. It will be the first time the Greens have been able to enter national government in the UK, with Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie becoming ministers (Sim, 2021). However, it is important to note this is not a typical coalition like the Lib Dems had with Labour in the first two terms of Holyrood (Campbell, 2021). Rather, the Greens have been permitted to opt out of policy areas they disagree with such as aviation, private schools, and economic growth (Campbell, 2021). Some have commented this new deal between the SNP and Green party reflects a similar agreement within Jacinda Ardern’s government in New Zealand (Campbell, 2021). Thus, many people have high expectations and curiosity for how the agreement may pan out. First minister Nicola Sturgeon has claimed the agreement was "a milestone in this parliament's progress", and a "commitment to a new and better way of doing politics". Furthermore, she described the deal as being also “a leap of faith for both parties" - but "one we are taking willingly and for the common good". So, with the background of the deal laid out, it is important to understand what policies are incorporated in the deal, and what timelines are being placed on achieving targets? I would like to focus on discussing the environmental aspects of the deal and potential outcomes, where there are commitments made to specific industries such as agriculture, forestry and woodlands, aquaculture, and marine protection to name a few.

What could the Deal bring?

The leading commitment presented in agriculture is to guarantee that “the sector makes the emissions reductions required to contribute to Scotland’s world leading emissions targets, to support and deliver nature restoration and a just transition to net zero, and to produce high quality food” (Lazarowicz, 2021). The SNP-Greens deal seeks to do this by implementing a new support framework in order to provide nature restoration, climate mitigation/adaption and strong food production. Additionally, the deal aims to do this by delivering increased equal opportunities and improving the resilience and efficiency of businesses. With regards to forestry and woodland, the primary policy commits to enhance woodland creation alongside completing existing targets. However, in order to go further, the deal commits to increasing annual woodland targets to 18,000 hectares/year by 2024/25, alongside increasing capital funding to allow for Forestry Land Scotland to grow the public forest through acquisition of land particularly in Regional and National Parks (Lazarowicz, 2021). Strengthening aquaculture policies was key on the deals agenda with it being acknowledged that “the status quo of aquaculture regulation is not an option” (Scottish Government, 2021). Therefore, the new deal commits to commencing a programme of work immediately to improve protection of wildlife and the environment. Furthermore, creating a strategy and vision for sustainable aquaculture which focuses a strong emphasis on community benefits and environmental protection. Importantly, marine protection was given a list of perhaps more concrete commitments which seek to add to the existing MPA network by designating MPAs (marine protected areas) covering at least 10% of Scotland’s seas. Additionally, commitments have been made to take certain measures to ensure protection of the inshore seabed in areas out with MPAs. This may include a cap to fishing activities in inshore waters. Finally, there is a commitment to deliver fisheries management procedures for existing MPAs where these are not yet implemented, alongside specifying significant coastal biodiversity locations outside of these MPAs by a deadline of March 2024 (Lazarowicz, 2021). Of course, these are only a very select few of the overarching policies and commitments laid on in the deal, and there are many more aspects to consider upon its evaluation. Perhaps some of the more general commitments set out in the shared policy agreement include prioritising and placing a significant focus on decarbonising Scotland’s transport network and supporting active travel. This is set to be accomplished over the next parliament session, as 10% of the Scottish Governments overall travel budget is set to become devoted to more active travel such as walking and cycling. Moreover, increasing investment into public transport will not only aid in cutting its emissions, but also ensuring it is made more efficient and affordable with free bus travel for people under 22 to incentivise public transport use (Scottish Government, 2021). The effect of these measures is essentially to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030, which is crucial for meeting the other of Scotland’s climate targets. Furthermore, in the upcoming parliament term, at least £1.8 billion will be invested into renewable heating and energy efficiency, defined by Nicola Sturgeon as an “essential transformation in how we heat our homes and buildings”. So, after laying out a brief introduction into the new SNP-Green deal it is absolutely an agreement to be optimistic about. It seems promising that commitments will be met, and a sustainable transition will become underway in Scotland. However, it is of course important to critically evaluate the potential pitfalls of the agreement and weigh these up against the benefits the agreement may bring.

Critically Evaluating the Deal:

It is clear to see that the policy sharing agreement between the SNP and Scottish Greens has great potential for enhancing the natural environment if its commitments are met as promised (Lazarowicz, 2021). The deal incorporates many targets focused on the future, however, it seems a greater need should still be placed on achieving the existing targets which were missed, as previously discussed in the first paragraph. It may be up to the new Green ministers Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie to enforce emphasis on these. Furthermore, it must be recognised that these overarching policies and commitments are extremely ambitious and huge tasks to overcome. Of course, transitioning the economy to be driven by renewables when so many are used to fossil fuels is a massive task which should not be underestimated. It goes without saying it is important for not only the climate but also the economy we make this transition soon. The economy faces a threat of being harmed if it sticks to old technologies rather than supporting and incorporating new innovations of green technology (Scotsman Leader Comment, 2021). Within the marine environment policy commitments there have been signs of dismay from organisations such as Open Seas who have critiqued the deal for not seeking to deliver beyond present policies, whilst delaying some of the environmental protection plans already in place. Open seas have commented that the commitments to protect 10% of Scotland’s seas, and cap fishing within 3 miles from shores are new plans (Open Seas, 2021). Yet, the organisation remains slightly concerned as to whether these commitments will be brushed aside further, by stating the deal “illustrates the SNP’s lack of vision when it comes to our seas, and it represents a serious roll back on Green manifesto commitments” (Open Seas, 2021). Overall, it seems Open Seas are remaining hopeful to see whether the two parties can collaborate effectively in order to transform Scotland’s marine management and environmental recovery. Moreover, NGO Friends of Earth are cautiously optimistic about the new deal. The NGOs director Dr Richard Dixon indicated the deal will “lead to stronger action for the climate”. (FOE, 2021). The organisation “welcome strong action on housing, heating, active travel and renewable energy, all of which will make a big difference over the next 5 years” (FOE, 2021). However, it has been acknowledged that the agreement regarding oil and gas is disappointing. Dr Richard Dixon states “any review of the future of oil and gas needs to be independent of government, with the right remit and the right experts contributing. If it’s done right it cannot fail to conclude that we need to phase out oil and gas extraction in short order” (FOE, 2021). On the whole however, the NGO describes the deal to be promising, with hope that the parties can work together to reduce emissions and certify a healthy living environment for Scotland. It seems that despite thoughts on the new deal being primarily positive, there are still doubts cast as to whether all commitments will be successfully met. It is up to successful collaboration between the SNP and Greens for targets to be achieved, so it is imperative that they remember the ultimate goal of collaborating for a common good.

Summary:

In summary, the new policy sharing agreement between the SNP and Scottish Greens shows great potential for tackling the climate crisis and creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Scotland. Bringing in Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie as ministers creates an opportunity for the environment to be placed at the heart of government, encouraging Scotland to do better and achieve its targets to emissions reductions whilst creating healthy and supported communities. As discussed in the article, Scotland provides huge potential for a green transition due to its renewable resources, skilled individuals training to become employed in green sectors. Of course, participating in the deal was a gamble for each of the parties as neither of their manifestos will be fully delivered, however, it is an important step towards placing Scotland on track for tackling environmental challenges and adapting. Nonetheless, it is important to note that despite the possibilities for success, doubts still remain as to whether the deal will set out to achieve what was promised, with some charities and NGOs concerned that the alternatives involve “accepting the culture of delay and decline – and that will deliver neither parties manifesto promises” (Open Seas, 2021). Overall, cautious optimism seems to be the way forward as the deal could be extremely significant in enhancing Scotland’s environmental protection and communities. Only time will tell whether each party is collaborating effectively and making compromises for the greater good of Scotland.

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