ALMOST one-third of Scots are unaware of the damage flying does to the environment, according to new research.

A survey found 31% did not know travelling by plane contributes to climate change, while 33% were unaware of the impact of taking the car for short trips and of single-use plastic.

Censuswide Scotland published details of the survey in the wake of Holyrood’s Environment Committee insisting ministers must put in place clearer plans for action across the board to tackle the “catastrophic harm” being done to the environment. And while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has declared a “climate emergency”, only just over half (54%) of Scots were aware of this announcement.

But almost three quarters (73%) said they were willing to change their buying habits to help combat climate change. This included eating less meat and cutting back on holidays abroad.

Nearly four out of five (79%) Scots want more education on the issue, with 78% and 72% looking to the UK and Scottish Governments respectively to raise awareness. Almost two-thirds (62%) said local councils should play a role in educating the public, 53% thought schools and teachers should do more and 39% said the oil and gas industry should also play a part.

Almost four out of five Scots (79%) called for companies to do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and 64% thought not enough is being done to tackle the impact of rising temperatures.

Jordan Ferguson from Censuswide Scotland said: “Last week, Holyrood’s Environment Committee told the Scottish Government it needed well-defined plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

“With this in mind, our polling looked at public understanding of the current situation.

“Our results demonstrate clear issues around the causes of CO2 emissions, and a desire for a streamlined channel of information, with many looking to governments to facilitate.”