Publication of the Scottish Government’s climate change plan has been delayed.

Scotland’s agriculture sector is expected to play a key role in contributing to meeting the ambitious targets through the recently published Agriculture Bill.

Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan updated the Scottish Parliament on the development of the draft climate change plan, following a number of changes to UK Government policy positions aimed at achieving net zero.

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The plan had been due to be published in initial draft form this month. Ms McAllan told the Scottish Parliament that, in part due to the repercussions of the UK Government’s announcements, additional time will be required to prepare the plan for consideration by parliament.

The First Minister will discuss the implications of the date change with his Environmental Council and with environmental NGOs.

Ms McAllan said: “Scotland has some of the world’s most ambitious climate change targets for emission reductions and we are already halfway to net zero. However, we have always been clear that the hardest part lies ahead.

“Regrettably, the UK Government’s recent actions have only made that job harder still, not least when it comes to our homes and transport. While we are working to make our homes greener and easier to heat and reduce our reliance on petrol and diesel cars, the UK Government is reneging on its own commitments, creating huge uncertainty for businesses and households.”

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Meanwhile, First Minister Humza Yousaf and Ms. McAllan will travel to Dubai at the end of the month to participate in COP28, the international climate change conference.

The Net Zero Secretary intends to showcase the progress Scotland is making to deliver a just transition to the next zero and continuing work to build renewables and hydrogen industries.