Carbon Neutral Islands

On 6 September 2021, Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon announced plans for at least three of Scotland’s islands to become fully carbon neutral by 2040. Gougeon acknowledged that the islands “...are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change…” but said, “...supporting islands to become carbon neutral will help protect their unique heritage, culture and biodiversity.”

The Scottish Government’s Carbon Neutral Islands project is intended to help deliver key commitments in the country's National Islands Plan. The purpose of this plan is to create jobs, protect Scottish island environments from climate change and contribute to the Scottish Government’s 2045 net zero commitment.

The Carbon Neutral Islands will also demonstrate the low carbon energy potential of Scotland’s islands as hubs of innovation in renewable energy and climate change resilience, whilst positively impacting on island economies and population retention and growth. The project will involve carbon audits across the islands and a pilot phase to inform learning.

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