Next steps for climate policy in Scotland

About This Event

Scotland Policy Conferences runs this online policy conference on 5 November 2026, examining next steps for climate policy in Scotland following publication of the Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 and introduction of statutory carbon budget periods. The event takes place in the morning and brings together policymakers, public bodies, businesses and delivery partners to assess practical implementation of emissions reduction, adaptation and nature recovery measures. The cost is not stated on the page.

The programme covers carbon budgets and accountability, including the sequencing of measures across sectors, monitoring arrangements and the role of the Third Just Transition Commission. Sessions examine climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience under the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029, flooding and coastal change strategies, nature recovery and biodiversity targets under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026, industrial decarbonisation and the circular economy, and the distribution of impacts across jobs, skills and communities. Confirmed speakers include Gillian Martin MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy), Mark Roberts (CEO, Environmental Standards Scotland), Stuart MacQuarrie (Director, Nature and Climate Change, NatureScot), and representatives from Scottish Water, Transport Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council, RSPB and the National Farmers' Union Scotland.

The conference matters to UK SMEs and sustainability leads because it addresses practical delivery constraints, funding requirements, sectoral implications and business responsibilities across Scotland's climate transition. Sessions on industrial decarbonisation, circular economy implementation, skills planning and the distribution of costs provide insight into how policy will affect businesses of different sizes, while discussions on infrastructure, technology uptake and investment conditions inform strategic planning for companies operating in or with Scotland.

Key Takeaways

• Practical delivery of emissions reduction measures across the first statutory carbon budget periods and sectoral implications
• Implementation of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 and embedding resilience in infrastructure decisions
• Nature recovery targets under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 and effects on land use and development
• Industrial decarbonisation, circular economy requirements and conditions for attracting public and private investment
• Distribution of transition costs and benefits across regions, sectors and businesses of different sizes

Who Should Attend

• Sustainability leads in businesses operating in Scotland or affected by Scottish climate policy
• SME owners in sectors facing significant adjustment, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture and land management
• Public sector procurement and infrastructure professionals responsible for embedding climate considerations in decisions
• Consultants and advisers supporting clients with compliance, investment planning or transition strategy in Scotland