We know why. While the climate crisis is hitting hardest in places like East Africa, it’s also arriving in our own lives in ways we can no longer ignore.
Yet across the UK, our bitter climate politics feel dangerously out of sync with climate reality and with the quiet willingness of people across Scotland to be part of the solution.
Many households are already cutting their energy use, re-thinking how they travel, changing what they eat and shopping second-hand. Often to save money, but also to do the right thing.
That’s where things jar. Because while ordinary families make changes, they see oil and gas companies still making eye-watering profits and the wealthiest taking off in their private jets without a second thought. We can all see it doesn’t add up.
If governments are serious about meeting this moment, fairness must be the starting point. Yes, we all have a role to play. But those who pollute the most, and profit the most, should do the heavy lifting.
In Scotland, there’s a clear chance to lead.
Bringing forward the planned private jet tax to 2027, and setting it at a level that really bites, would speak directly to most people’s sense of fairness. Extending tax breaks for the wealthiest polluters would trample all over that.
No-brainer measures like investing in cheaper bus travel, while improving accessibility and safety, should also be rolled out nationally in sixth gear, not first. They’ll help cut emissions but also living costs.
Likewise, the delayed Heat in Buildings Bill must make it easier and more affordable for folk to make the shift to warmer homes and lower energy costs.
This Scottish Parliament must be defined by delivery, not more delay.
Public finances won’t make that easy, but delaying action will only cost more. Investing now means cheaper commutes, warmer homes, lower bills, secure jobs, and a safer future for our kids to inherit.
At a UK level, the choices are also obvious.
Approving new oil and gas projects like Rosebank would keep us tied to the problem, not help us move beyond it or support a managed wind-down for workers. A permanent tax on the excess profits of fossil fuel giants would make those benefiting most from the status quo pay their fair share.
And when other countries are enduring devastating impacts because of our emissions, real climate leaders don’t make swingeing aid cuts to avoid better taxing wealth.
People want a fair transition. One where everyone contributes, but where the biggest polluters and the richest pay their share.
The weather is changing. People can see that. What they’re looking for now is leadership that matches the scale of the challenge and reflects the simple, widely shared belief: fairness.
This article originally appeared in Third Force News.
