- Research by Lloyds Banking Group shows 65% of people in Scotland see the environment as a top priority for post pandemic recovery.
- However, nearly a quarter (23%) were unable to reduce their own carbon footprint in the second lockdown.
Carbon emissions in Scotland dropped by 13% during the pandemic compared to the year before, according to analysis compiled by Lloyds Banking Group in partnership with the Carbon Trust.
The analysis considered the impact on carbon emissions resulting from changing consumer spending behaviour across six categories: food and drink, fuel, commuting, airlines, electrical stores and clothing stores.
Restrictions on international and domestic travel as well as the increase in working from home have been significant factors in the drop in carbon emissions. Emissions from commuting reduced by almost two thirds (65%) and emissions from fuel fell by a fifth (20%) compared to the year before the pandemic.
At the same time, international travel restrictions meant that the carbon emissions from airlines dropped by more than three quarters (79%) compared to the previous year.
As the country prepares to emerge from lockdown, public support for the environment remains strong in Scotland, with 65% of the public ranking the environment as a top priority for post pandemic recovery.
However, it appears that ‘going green’ is a struggle as nearly a quarter (23%) were not able to reduce their carbon footprint in the second lockdown, the research revealed.
How the pandemic has impacted behaviour change
Environmental reasons are also a factor for people thinking about a return to work, with almost three in 10 (29%) full-time employees citing this as a reason in their plans to work from home at least two to three times a week.
Generational differences can be seen in these emerging environmental behaviour changes. Nearly half (49%) of over 55s are planning to continue shopping locally compared to just 27% of younger generations (18–24 year olds). Older generations are also more likely to limit their car use than younger generations (36% and 23% respectively) and make improvements to their home’s energy efficiency (16% and 7% respectively).
Thrifty under 25s are planning to buy more items second-hand or upcycle them than older generations (35% and 22% respectively) and are focused on changing their diets to reduce emissions (23% and 13% respectively).
Philip Grant, Chair of Scottish Executive Committee at Lloyds Banking Group said: “Our research shows that the people of Scotland want the environment to be at the heart of our post-pandemic recovery.
“Lockdown’s have changed the way we live and work, and shown us how we can do our bit to help tackle climate change and live more sustainably.
“We all have a part to play which is why we are working with businesses, the government and communities to help make a positive impact on the environment.”
Myles McCarthy, Director at the Carbon Trust, said: “It is encouraging to see that the environment remains top of mind for two thirds of people in post pandemic recovery.
Lockdown has disrupted our lives in many aspects, challenging people from turning aspirations into action, while encouraging more sustainable habits like homeworking and local shopping.
“As lockdown eases, and in the run-up to COP26, it is time for consumers, citizens, businesses and governments to come together and build the enabling environment that will help turn climate ambitions into long-term impact.”