A REPORT exploring how Scotland’s engineering tradition can be harnessed to tackle fuel poverty, improve public health, create jobs and slash carbon emissions is launched today.
The report, titled Scotland’s Way Ahead, found greater investment in low carbon infrastructure by both public and private sector must increase if the country is to meet its climate change targets.
It found that investment into low carbon infrastructure could help the one million Scots households living in fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency. Investment in public transport and walking and cycling routes would help tackle ill health caused by physical inactivity and air pollution. The report, commissioned by the Low Carbon Infrastructure Task Force, also found a low carbon economy could support up to 60,000 jobs by 2020.
Sara Thiam, chair of the Low Carbon Infrastructure Task Force, said: “It’s essential we invest wisely for the future, building infrastructure that improves our economy, environment and quality of life. I hope (this project) will inspire the next generation to build on the legacy of famous engineers of the past including Telford, Watt, Arrol and Stevenson.
“They have the potential to build a better world by getting involved in 21st-century engineering projects that will stand the test of time, as the Forth Bridge has done.”
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