Young People's Priorities for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections

The Scottish Parliamentary elections on 6 May will define the next 5 years of politics in Scotland and young people are clear: climate change must be top of the agenda.

Key results from our survey of young people and their priorities for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Elections

Our survey of nearly 70 young people and leaders from our network found that 88% of respondents listed ‘climate change and the environment’ as one of their top three election priorities. The second and third most common priorities were Brexit and Scottish independence (40% for both). This demonstrates the overwhelming focus of young people on tackling the climate emergency.

[Overall, what are your biggest priorities/concerns in this upcoming Scottish Parliament election? (Respondents chose 3)]

Specifically, we asked respondents to tell us what aspects of climate change and the environment they wanted to see prioritised. These results were more varied, and reflect the wide-ranging challenges facing the next Government in tackling climate change. But the top four priorities were all mentioned by over 40% of respondents. They were: green jobs & retraining programmes; better public transport connectivity & services; green financing/divestment from fossil fuels; and walking and cycling infrastructure.

[Which climate & environment problems/solutions would you like to see the Scottish Parliament take most urgent action on? (Respondents chose up to 5)]

We also asked for suggestions of specific policies that our respondents wanted to see in parties’ manifestos. Whilst responses varied across different policy areas, all showed a clear focus on carbon reduction and investment in green infrastructure.

The most frequent policy theme in the suggestions was in relation to financial support of fossil fuels. There were several calls for the introduction of an effective carbon tax scheme and for a commitment to divesting from fossil fuels. Importantly this was often followed with a desire to do so in a just way that retrains and protects workers. This reflects the key challenge facing the new Government - tackling climate change in a fair and just way - that doesn’t disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities.

Another common concern was around the energy system, across renewables, heating, and transport. Several respondents stated a desire for a strong renewable industry with potential for skilled jobs and new technological development. There were also calls for investment and support to decarbonise heating. Suggestions included retrofitting buildings in close liaison with the construction industry, as well as district heating and other cheaper forms of low carbon heat. Additionally, transport access was raised several times, with a focus from our respondents on ensuring that public transport is widely available and affordable. Further, multiple calls were made for financial support to move away from high carbon forms of transport such as flying and driving to active and public forms of travel.

It is clear, not just from our survey, but also from what young people have been shouting from the rooftops through the climate strikes and throughout the last Parliament, that climate change and the environment must be at the centre of this election. Of course, it does not end when climate-conscious politicians are elected. Some of the policies laid out above, and many more, will be needed in the next Parliament if Scotland has any hope of reaching its net-zero targets.

The first step is getting the right people in place. But what can you do to make this election about climate change and the environment?

1. Sign up here to the Friends of the Earth Scotland ‘Vote for Climate’ pledge.

2. Ask a question about climate change and the environment at a local (online) hustings event.

3. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues, respectfully, that robust policies on climate change and the environment are essential for all candidates.