THE Scottish government has been told it must implement dozens of recommendations put forward by Scotland’s Citizens Assembly, with experts describing the report as a “clarion call for climate action.”

The new report is demanding action to reduce emissions across a whole range of areas, with calls for a ban on single-use plastics “unless there is no viable alternative.”

Members called for public transport to be made “cheaper, or free,” with standardised smart ticketing introduced in what it said could be an “Oyster card for Scotland.”

The assembly also backs tax changes, including the introduction of a new carbon land tax.

The report was handed over to party leaders today, calling for a feasibility study to examine the environmental impact of introducing a universal basic income and for a four-day working week to be brought in “as standard.”

Professor Dave Reay of Edinburgh University’s Climate Change Institute said: “This is a clarion call for climate action right across Scotland.

“For anyone who was still wondering what needs doing on climate change, it’s writ large here: much more, and much faster.

“In these times of Covid, the call for more climate education, green skills and job opportunities is an especially powerful one.”

Assembly co-convener Ruth Harvey said that the report’s “focused recommendations” are a “call to action not only to our political leaders, but to all citizens of Scotland.”

Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson thanked Climate Assembly members for their work, praising the “commitment and dedication they have shown in producing this important report.”

“We will take the necessary time to reflect fully on the assembly’s recommendations before providing a comprehensive and cross-government response in-line with the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act,” he added.