According to new, official statistics that’ve just been published for the first time, almost half of Scots (44%) believe that reaching net zero by 2045 would improve their quality of life, compared to just 1 in 10 who think it’d make it worse.

The study, called The Scottish Climate Survey, questioned over 4,000 adults across Scotland who shared their views on climate-related issues, including transport, nature, and preparing for the impacts of climate change and home energy.

It found that almost three-quarters of those surveyed (72%) feel climate change is an immediate and urgent problem.

Further, a third of households (33%) were finding it difficult to afford their energy bills whilst four in ten (42%) were having to cut back on essential spending, such as on food, to spend more on energy bills.

People were also asked about their overall views on climate change, and the impact of the transition to net zero.

Almost half of adults (46%) reported feeling worried about climate change, with one in ten (11%) saying their feelings about climate change had a negative effect on them most of the time.

“The findings from this survey highlight that people recognise the benefits that reaching net zero by 2045 will bring,” said Alasdair Allan, acting minister for climate action.

“However, if we are to persuade people to back climate action wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and challenges but also demonstrate clear and direct household and community benefits where possible.

“Whilst the powers over energy price setting and regulation are reserved, we continue to prioritise support for the most vulnerable households through access to long-term, sustainable measures with our energy efficiency programmes. We are also calling on the UK Government to introduce targeted energy bill discounts to support those who need it most.

“Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions. However in order to reach our target, we need to work together more effectively, at all levels of Government and beyond – and the findings from this survey help demonstrate that Scots not only understand the seriousness of the climate crisis – but want to see action.

“That’s why we will continue to drive climate action that is fair, ambitious and effective at addressing the scale of the emergency which faces us.”

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The publishing of these official stats come during a concerted push both in Scotland and globally to generate and utilise clean power.

Earlier this month, DIGIT staff writer Tom Quinn covered a report from energy think-tank Ember, which found that renewables and nuclear provided more than 40% of total electricity generation.

Specifically, renewables were the main driver of overall clean growth in 2024, adding a record 858 terawatt hours, or TWh, which was 49% more than the previous high in 2022.

Solar was the largest renewables contributor for the third year running, adding 474 TWh to reach a share of 6.9%.