Governments can adopt a range of policy measures to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including:

• increasing energy efficiency standards;
• encouraging the use of renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar power);
• eliminating subsidies that encourage the use of coal and oil;
• protecting and restoring forests that serve as important storehouses of carbon.

Scotland’s Climate Change Programme Changing our Ways presents a long-term vision for Scotland on climate change and sustainable development. It pledges to reduce Scotland’s carbon dioxide emissions by a fair contribution – namely the Scottish Share – and sets a Scottish Target. The Programme highlights achievements to date, sets new actions and future guidelines to lower emissions from across the main sectors. It also recognises the essential need for adaptation to help reduce Scotland’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

Climate change: What we are doing in the UK The UK Government has developed policies and measures to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, this link also explains how the UK plans to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Renewable Energy maps for the UK The Department of Transport and Industry monitors renewable energy projects in the UK. The searchable, online database tracks the planning status of every renewable energy project and provides a record of operational renewable energy developments.