Celebrating our net zero journey during Climate Week
Our council's work transitioning to net zero will be in the spotlight later this month as part of a nationwide campaign.
Scotland's Climate Week raises awareness of the climate crisis, celebrates progress and inspires community action across Scotland.
Healthy, resilient and inspired
In its tenth year, this Climate Week is more relevant than ever. Across the UK, 72 large wildfires have raged this year - one of the most notable in Scotland's own Cairngorms National Park. From intense summer heatwaves to sudden torrential downpours, extreme weather is a clear reminder that Scotland is not immune to the effects of climate change.
Watching familiar landscapes transform due in real time can feel deeply unsettling. It's no surprise that almost 80% of people across the UK report worrying about the future due to climate change. While recognising this realities, Climate Week offers a chance to acknowledge the incredible work taking place right here in East Lothian. Our Climate Team believes that celebrating local progress is essential not only to reach net zero emissions, but to keep our staff and communities healthy, resilient and inspired.
Sustainable change
Within our council, sustainable change is already taking root.
The Climate Forest's tree planting efforts have been shortlisted for the APSE Awards in the 'Best Climate or Decarbonisation Initiative' category. As part of the wider Central Scotland Climate Forests initiative, the project aims to plant two million trees across East Lothian's urban and rural spaces by 2031. Beyond capturing carbon, woodlands of increased cover and quality will help to protect our native species, such as badgers and woodpeckers, and build resilient ecosystems that protect carbon-storing trees' health. Additionally, increased urban tree cover will lower air temperature and prevent roads, pavements and buildings from absorbing heat in hot summer months.
Momentum is also building across our active travel networks. A project that deserves to be highlighted is Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT), an ambitious cycle path network of over 16km, backed by £250,000 from Transport Scotland. Alongside MAT, the Active Freeway project - spanning roughly 40km from Dunbar to Edinburgh - is making steady progress, with one section already complete. These projects aim to eliminate common barriers to all forms of active travel, particularly concerns around safety and accessibility, and encourage more East Lothian's residents to get walking, wheeling and cycling.
Every change made now will pay dividends in the years to come.
Get involved
Scotland's Climate Week will run from the 28th of September to the 4th of October. If these local success stories have inspired you to get involved with climate action, check out what East Lothian Climate Hub events are happening near you.