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Insider UK
Insider UK
Politics
Craig Paton, PA Scotland Political Reporter & Chris Pyke

£1.6bn Scottish Government funding to transition heating to net zero

Almost £1.6bn will be spent by the Scottish Government to transition heating to net zero.

The money, which will support up to 5,000 jobs and is part of the Scottish Government's commitment to slash emissions by 2045, was outlined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this week in the programme for government (PfG). 

A £500 million investment was also announced for Scotland's natural economy, which will feature £150m to increase woodland creation by 50% by 2024 and a further £150m for flood risk management.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "This year's programme for government makes clear that our commitment to tackling the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss is unwavering. Indeed, they are central to our recovery.

"We will ensure our recovery is one that creates good quality, green jobs and ensures a fair and just transition to net-zero, leaving no-one behind.

"The natural economy is a vital asset in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, responding to climate change, ending biodiversity loss and creating the new, green employment opportunities of the future. It is central to our PfG and to our green recovery plans.

"In planning our green recovery, we have sought and implemented expert advice at every turn, and will continue to do so as we work towards updating our Climate Change Plan by the end of the year."

During a statement to parliament, the First Minister announced a number of measures designed to help meet the 2045 target, including a £100 million Green Job Fund, £60 million to help decarbonise industrial and manufacturing businesses and expanding apprenticeships in nature-based jobs with Scottish Forestry, Forestry and Land Scotland and NatureScot.

A further £70 million was also announced to be invested in an overhaul of refuse collection, including a revamp of its infrastructure and developing a "route map to reduce waste".

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