According to the Commission, there is broad support across Scotland for “a big step up” on climate action, matched with tangible measures to support workers and communities at the sharp end of industrial changes.

Senior leaders from politics, industry, trade unions and environmental groups will convene at Dynamic Earth this morning to agree what needs to happen next to ensure changes to bring down emissions are achieved as fairly as possible. First minister John Swinney, UK energy minister Michael Shanks and the new head of the UK Climate Change Committee, Nigel Topping, will give keynote speeches.

All Members of the Scottish Parliament have also been invited to the Just Transition Summit, as have representatives of all 32 local authorities, every chamber of commerce and every Scottish college.

The aim of the Just Transition Summit is to build consensus on how a just transition to a low carbon economy can be achieved, as well as agree specific actions for different levels of government, employers, unions and environmental groups.

A panel of senior representatives from parties at Holyrood will be quizzed by young people from Grangemouth, Aberdeen and Shetland to understand what different parties propose to do to shape the economic future of young people in Scotland for the better.

The Commission is an independent expert advisory group with members drawn from business, industry, trade unions, environmental and community groups and academia. It aims to make sure the benefits and burdens of the major changes involved in Scotland’s climate neutral transition are shared as fairly as possible, and is tasked by the Scottish Government with making an annual assessment of progress towards a just transition to a low carbon economy.

The event features a showcase of 28 projects from across Scotland that are helping achieve a just transition. These range from community-owned energy projects in islands such as North Yell and Lewis, to innovative skills initiatives to support workers made redundant at the Grangemouth oil refinery into new roles, as well as companies who are setting up shop in Scotland to manufacture the sub-sea cables needed for wind power.

The venue for the summit, Dynamic Earth, is Edinburgh’s science centre and planetarium.

Ahead of the summit, the Commission published a new map showcasing dozens of positive projects making just transition a reality for people across Scotland.

It also published new research with a toolkit for government to apply just transition conditionalities to public investment, licensing and procurement so as to encourage better social, economic and environmental returns for citizens.

Prof. Dave Reay, co-chair of the Commission, will say: “We want our governments, public bodies and employers to commit to tangible actions that will make a positive difference to workers, communities and businesses across Scotland. A faster, fairer way forward is possible. Today’s summit shows there’s deep support across our public and private sector for a big step up to make just transition a reality, not a slogan.”

Satwat Rehman, co-chair of the Commission, said: “Our summit showcases dozens of brilliant on-the-ground projects that are already making a concrete and measurable contribution to Scotland’s economic renewal through the low carbon transition.

“Some are small community initiatives, others are international companies at the leading edge of green infrastructure development, while others showcase the innovation and resourcefulness we consistently see from bulwarks of the transition such as our further education colleges.” 

Just Transition Commission to be renewed

Ahead of the Summit, first minister John Swinney has highlighted the importance of supporting workers and livelihoods in the journey to net zero. 

The first minister will today announce the Scottish Government’s intention to renew the Just Transition Commission for the next Parliamentary term.

The Just Transition Commission provides independent scrutiny and advice to the Scottish Government on how to deliver a resilient, low carbon economy that delivers fairness and tackles inequalities.

Since being established in 2019, the Commission has provided detailed insight on investment and regional planning, commissioned research and identified strategic opportunities for progress.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr Swinney said: “Tackling the climate emergency is the one of the most pressing issues faced by governments around the world, and it is one of my overarching priorities as First Minister.

“It is my firm belief that the drive to net zero offers real opportunity for Scotland, and that the transition to renewable energy is vital to economic growth. To harness these opportunities however, we must ensure that we are bringing people, workforces and communities with us on the journey.

“In practice, that means delivering support to help oil and gas workers gain skills they need to access jobs in the sustainable energy sector and working with businesses to ensure workforces are equipped for green technologies.

“The Just Transition Commission has played an important role in supporting progress to a low carbon economy while ensuring fairness and equality. Our intention to renew the Commission will enable it to continue delivering meaningful engagement, analysis and expert advice with a clear focus on delivery.”