Mountaineering Scotland and the climate emergency

In response to the declaration of the climate emergency by the First Minister in April 2019, Mountaineering Scotland’s Director of Access & Conservation, Ron Neville, took up the challenge to look into the carbon footprint and sustainability of mountaineering in Scotland.

The setting up of CRAG, a short-term action group, was proposed and an appeal went out at the end of December for members who were interested to lend their expertise.

This was prompted by queries from members about what the organisation was doing about climate change, as well as the results of our recent members’ survey where 94% of those who responded indicated that climate change is a matter of concern.

CRAG is now up and running, with eight Mountaineering Scotland members helping to guide the direction we take to address mountaineering issues raised by the climate emergency.

The outcome of CRAG is to ensure that intent and actions to address the climate crisis are integrated into all that Mountaineering Scotland does, and that we as individuals can do, as part of our walking, climbing and snowport touring activities.

Early days yet, but topics under consideration include reviewing Mountaineering Scotland’s business activities to promote sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint, investigating ethical carbon offsetting schemes, and  linking with other organisations working towards influencing government policy and investment to tackle the climate crisis. 

Photo: Stuc a Chroin, by Davie Black