Scottish Environment Link says politicians must be clear about how to create a more environmentally sustainable Scotland in the upcoming election

Scotland needs to start making real progress toward international sustainable development goals, argue green charities.

Members of Scottish Environment Link have said political parties should outline how they are going to achieve UN sustainable development goals during their election campaigns this spring.

The body, which represents 36 green charities and organisations, has outlined six steps to creating a more sustainable Scotland.

The elections provide a significant opportunity for our parties to tell voters how they will work towards achieving those goals

It has called on politicians to show their commitment to the environment with actions such as building a sustainable economy, usng science responsibly, and living within Scotland’s environmental limits.

Helen Todd, chair of Scottish Environment Link, said: “As a signatory to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Scotland – now more than ever – needs to start making progress towards achieving them. The elections provide a significant opportunity for our parties to tell voters how they will work towards achieving those goals.

"Sustainable development has environmental, social and economic components and this breadth is reflected in our manifesto which is built around the Shared Principles for Sustainable Development that Scotland signed up to more than 10 years ago.

“In six steps we set out the key issue areas that Link would like to see addressed in party manifestos and election debates, and by the incoming administration. Each step is accompanied by an example of a concrete action that would take us one step closer to a sustainable Scotland.”