As Scotland approaches a series of pivotal parliamentary elections, its climate policy is once again moving centre stage. In response, CIHT Scotland has released a policy statement in advance of the elections, which take place on 7 May.

The next government will inherit responsibility not just for setting Scotland’s ambitions, but for delivering its updated Climate Change Plan at the pace required to meet statutory carbon budgets. Transport – Scotland’s largest source of emissions – will be central to whether those commitments can be met in practice.

Recent evidence submitted to the Scottish Government by CIHT highlights both the opportunity and the risk now facing policymakers. Drawing on its CLIMATES initiative – a year‑long engagement initiative with more than 300 transport professionals across the UK – CIHT argues that the challenge is no longer about intent, but about credibility, delivery and accountability.

Decarbonisation priorities

CIHT CLIMATES sets out seven priority actions for accelerating transport decarbonisation, five of which are aimed directly at governments. These actions include demonstrating that transport decarbonisation is genuinely on track, reappraising investment appraisal to prioritise low‑carbon and resilience outcomes, and strengthening collaboration between government and industry.

Another action is ensuring that national transport strategies place climate action at their core. As all political parties published their manifestos, these priorities offer a clear benchmark against which future commitments can be assessed.

A recurring theme in CIHT’s response is the importance of a just transition. Scotland’s geography means that transport decarbonisation will not be experienced evenly. Rural and island communities remain heavily reliant on private vehicles, often with limited public transport alternatives. Without affordable zero‑emission vehicles, reliable charging infrastructure and tailored local solutions, climate policy risks deepening existing inequalities.

The next government will need to show how national targets translate into practical, place‑based delivery.

Resilience priorities

Several parties’ manifestos for the elections in Scotland highlight climate change, emissions reduction and the transition to net zero. However, CIHT is calling for an equal emphasis to be put on transport resilience since flooding, heat, storms and supply chain disruption are already affecting Scotland’s roads, railways and ferry services.

The next Scottish Government should commit to systematic transport resilience assessments, targeted funding to address known vulnerabilities, and greater use of green and blue infrastructure to adapt networks to future conditions. With extreme weather already placing increasing strain on Scotland’s transport networks, the costs of failing to embed resilience are becoming harder to ignore.

Transparency is another priority, and CLIMATES emphasises the need for governments to clearly demonstrate how their policies align with expert advice and emissions pathways, supported by detailed and timely reporting. For voters, this kind of openness will be essential in judging whether climate commitments are being met, deferred or quietly diluted.

As Scotland heads toward an election, transport offers a critical test of climate credibility. The statutory targets are fixed; the question is whether the next government is prepared to organise policy, investment and delivery around them. CLIMATES provides a clear framework. The challenge for those seeking office is whether they are ready to meet it.

John Challen was in conversation with Justin Ward, Head of Policy and Technical Practice, CIHT.

For more information about CIHT CLIMATES, visit:

https://www.ciht.org.uk/climates

Image: Road running through the Scottish Highlands. Credit: Shutterstock.