Background
In 2025, The Scottish Government commissioned Miller Research and The Lines Between to analyse responses to the public consultation on Scotland’s Draft Environment Strategy. The Strategy set out a long-term framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, while supporting a just transition to a net zero, nature-positive and circular economy.
The consultation sought views on the Strategy’s vision, outcomes and proposed policy pathways, alongside a series of related impact assessments. The project formed part of the Scottish Government’s statutory obligations under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.
Methodology
The project involved the analysis of consultation responses submitted through Citizen Space, alongside responses received via email and PDF submissions. In total, 126 valid responses were analysed from individuals and organisations representing sectors including environment, energy, transport, health, government, education and industry.
The analysis combined:
- quantitative analysis of closed consultation questions
- thematic qualitative analysis of open-ended responses
- analysis of stakeholder workshop notes and targeted engagement sessions
- identification of cross-cutting themes and areas of consensus or disagreement.
The work required careful interpretation of highly technical and policy-focused responses covering areas such as biodiversity, land use, climate mitigation, pollution, circular economy policy and environmental governance.
Findings
Respondents broadly supported the overall ambition and direction of the Draft Environment Strategy, particularly its recognition of the interconnected nature of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Many welcomed the Strategy’s focus on social justice, wellbeing and a just transition.
However, the consultation also highlighted several recurring challenges and areas for refinement, including:
- the need for clearer definitions, targets and delivery pathways
- concerns about implementation, governance and accountability
- stronger alignment between environmental and economic policy
- greater emphasis on monitoring, reporting and measurable outcomes
- improved recognition of local, rural and island perspectives.
Stakeholders also highlighted tensions and trade-offs between environmental ambitions and practical delivery across sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport and land management.
Impact
The consultation analysis provided Scottish Government with an evidence base to support the refinement and finalisation of the Environment Strategy and associated impact assessments. The work helped identify where stakeholders felt greater clarity, ambition or coordination was needed, while also highlighting broad support for a more integrated and long-term approach to environmental policy in Scotland.
The project contributed to shaping a Strategy intended to guide environmental decision-making across government and support Scotland’s transition towards a more sustainable, resilient and equitable future.