Renewable Heat Incentive Scotland – Tackling Climate Change
It hit the news headlines in April 2019 that the world is in crisis with climate change. Some scientists saying we only have 6 years left, other 20 years and others trashing the theory. However Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ at the recent SNP conference. Here are incentives the Scottish Government have put in place to tackle climate change such as the renewable heat incentive Scotland.
What Is The Renewable Heat Incentive Scotland
The renewable heat incentive Scotland is a Government scheme that was set up and launched in 2014 to encourage the people of Scotland to purchase renewable heat technologies for their home with an incentive of financial rewards. It has been set up to help contribute to Scotland’s aim of having 12% of heating coming from renewable sources.
Financial support is given to those entering the scheme for seven years. The scheme now runs in England and Wales with other countries to follow.
Other Scottish Incentives
- Plastic Bag Charge: In October 2014 Scotland were the first country to charge consumers 5p on every plastic bag they purchased such as in retail stores, supermarkets and fast food chains. This was to reduce the consumption and pollution of plastic bags – which has been a massive success with England and Australia following suit.
- Ban On Plastic Straws: A more recent incentive, now clubs, pubs and retail are no longer allowed to purchase plastic straws. They can use up any plastic straws they have left in their stock but after that no more! Scotland has also banned the production of plastic straws.
- Recycling System: In 2019 they introduced a far more complicated but exceptional recycling system. Having bins for food waste, glass, plastic, non -recyclable and landscaping waste. This was to make sure as many things can be recycled as possible.
What Is The Climate Emergency
Nicola Sturgeon from the SNP has declared a climate emergency, where she says our country is at danger. She has plans to push up air tax on all flights coming in and out of Scotland however she has also been met with criticism as Scotland is one of the worlds hubs for fossil fuel extraction in the North East of the country.
