Climate change resources

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges humanity has ever faced and is already having devastating effects at the global and local level.

This is why the Council has set ambitious targets to end East Dunbartonshire’s contributions to climate change.

The Council is preparing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) with details of all of the action that we will take to meet this target and reach net zero emissions. Reducing our contributions to climate change is everyone's responsibility and, to support the delivery of the CAP, this page sets out what you can do to cut carbon in your home, your office, your local community and further afield.

Most individual emissions come from how we travel, how we heat our buildings, and the goods and services that we buy (especially food).
While the points below are not always possible for everyone, some effective ways to reduce your own emissions can include:

• Calculate your carbon footprint – there are various tools online
• Getting free advice on how to reduce emissions from your house from Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or the Energy Saving Trust website - solution can include improving energy efficiency (which can also save you money), switching to a green electricity provider, or installing a heat pump
• When funding is available from national partners, East Dunbartonshire Council can also provide local homeowners with low/no-cost insulation measures
• Cut your own air miles, especially for journeys within the UK - air travel is 95% more polluting than rail travel
• If you must fly, consider offsetting: Climate Care
• Consider walking, wheeling or public transport where possible 
• Consider switching to an electric car if you need a car
• Replace emission intensive food like beef and lamb with high-fibre plant-based meals
• Low-tech solutions are sometimes the best – wearing extra layers instead of turning up the heaters can be simple ways of reducing your energy use

In the Community

Visit the Community Environmental Action webpage for more information on local sustainability groups. 

The Climate Action Hub in Twechar aims to increase networking and connectivity of community organisations to build inclusive community capacity for climate projects and shared learning. The Climate Action Hub is a great source of information and support for community groups and individuals looking to improve their sustainability.

At work

• Walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to get to work and to meetings where possible
• Hold low-carbon meetings – make use of online meeting facilities where appropriate and, for in-person meetings, choose venues accessible by public transport, and arrange start and finish times to fit in with bus/train timetables
• Help others in your organisation to make sustainable choices.

Spread the word to friends, family, school, local businesses, place of worship, and any groups in which your voice will be heard! Several national campaigns can help you take action, a few popular ones are:

• Friends of the Earth Scotland
• Oxfam
• 38 Degrees
• Christian Aid’s ‘Climate Changed' Webpage.

While it is vital that we limit future climate change, we must also be prepared to deal with the effects of climate change which are already in the pipeline. Adaptation Scotland's website provides data on climate trends and impacts in Scotland and works with others to help them prepare for these changes.

Climate Ready Clyde is a cross-sector initiative funded by the Scottish Government and 15 member organisations, including East Dunbartonshire Council, to create a shared vision, strategy and action plan for an adapting Glasgow City Region.

Climate Ready Clyde developed Glasgow City Region's first Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, which was launched in June 2021, ahead of COP26 in Glasgow.

The Strategy aims to ensure Glasgow City Region’s economy, society and environment is not only prepared for, but continues to flourish in the face of the impacts arising from the climate crisis.

Many individuals and groups across the country - and beyond - are committed to making a difference, e.g.

• Stop Climate Chaos Scotland website - a coalition of over 50 organisations in Scotland campaigning against climate change
• Take One Action website - Scotland's global action cinema project.
• Scotland Big Picture website – administers the Northwoods Rewilding Project which aims to rewild and restore landscapes across Scotland.

You can link with such networks to add value to your actions.

Let’s Do Net Zero is a Scottish Government campaign encouraging everyone to play their part.

Climate change and nature loss are the greatest global threats we face. Many of our actions produce greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat from the sun, raising our planet’s temperature and causing our climate to change. This isn’t a distant, far-away problem; it’s here in Scotland and we’re already seeing the impact.

Scotland's legislation commits us to reaching net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. ‘Net Zero’ means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere balances with the amount we take out.

To find out you can get involved and make a world of a difference, visit Net Zero Scotlands website and look out for #LetsDoNetZero on social media.

The following funding schemes offer support to undertake home energy efficiency improvements and install renewable energy generation and low-carbon heating systems:

• Warmer Homes Scotland | Home Energy Scotland & Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan by Home Energy Scotland aimed for eligible homeowners, tenants and private landlords.
• Energy Company Obligation (ECO) | Ofgem & Great British Insulation Scheme - Homeowners and tenants | Ofgem - aimed for eligible homeowners and tenants
• Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) funding (includes the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund, CARES Resilience Fund and Community Buildings Fund) by Local Energy Scotland and is aimed for eligible community, faith and charity organisations
• SME Loan Scheme by Business Energy Scotland aimed for eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

East Dunbartonshire Council is committed to tackling climate change - working with others to reduce carbon emissions and to increase resilience. The Council’s forthcoming Climate Action Plan recognises the crucial role of behaviour change and the importance of raising awareness and empowering communities to act.

In 2023 Keep Scotland Beautiful was contracted to develop, promote and deliver a community Carbon Literacy Training programme, in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council and East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, during the financial years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 feeding into the Council’s emerging Climate Action Plan. The programme of training was fully funded by £42,175 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

People representing local organisations, communities and businesses were encouraged to get involved, but anyone with ties to the East Dunbartonshire was able to attend one of the courses or workshops. 

People across East Dunbartonshire embraced the opportunity to learn more about the Climate Emergency with 179 attending free training to find out what positive action they can take and more than 150 pledges to act being made.

The final report summarising the key achievements, learnings and recommendations for the future is available at Keep Scotland Beautiful website.