New net zero carbon commission welcomed
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A NEW Just Transition Commission is to be established to help ensure Scotland’s journey to net zero is fair for everyone.
It will be chaired by leading climate scientist and IPCC Bureau member Professor Jim Skea CBE and run for the duration of this parliamentary term, reporting annually on the progress Scotland is making to ensure a greener, fairer future for us all.
Scotland’s Just Transition Commission was first established in 2019 and submitted a report in March 2021 following a two-year remit to provide practical advice and recommendations.
The Scottish Government responded to the report recently, accepting all of the Commission’s recommendations and becoming the first country in the world to commit to a Just Transition Planning Framework. This sets out a consistent, ambitious approach to just transition planning with the first specific plan addressing the energy sector.
One of the new Commission’s key roles will be to support the development of the plans.
To announce the new Commission, Just Transition Minister and Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead visited the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area in Glasgow, a £250 million project which is largest of its kind outside of London and was built on award-winning large-scale community consultation.
He said: “We are committed to ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change and, critically, ensuring we do that in a way that is just and fair for everyone.
“Scotland’s approach is unique and world leading: we are demonstrating clear leadership to ensure our just transition to net zero does not repeat the mistakes of the past.
“A just transition for the people of Scotland will be our defining mission and the Commission will play a central role in ensuring that our transformation journey to becoming a net zero nation leaves no-one behind.
“I am very pleased that Professor Skea will chair the new Commission. Having led the previous Commission, he will bring valuable continuity to the role, together with a wealth of experience in climate science. I look forward to announcing the other members of the Commission soon.”
The creation of the Commission was welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam.
She said: “I welcome the news of the new Just Transition Commission being established to ensure Scotland’s journey to net zero is fair for everyone.
"I know just how hard Richard Lochhead has been working to do exactly that and progress Scotland’s move toward a just transition.
“Delivering on the SNP’s commitment for a fairer, greener Scotland will mean that work is under way that will transform the economy of the north-east and Moray, providing job security, skills training and education to support workers secure good, high value employment.
“When we talk about a just transition it also means building and investing in infrastructure that will support Scotland’s efforts to decarbonise in the face of climate change so I am really looking forward to what that will bring, particularly for the north-east and Moray."
Professor Skea said: “I am honoured to be invited to chair the Just Transition Commission in the next phase of its work. It is gratifying to see our recommendations being taken up so comprehensively by the Sottish Government.
“The challenge now is to turn these recommendations into practical realities, and I look forward to working with fellow Commissioners and the Government on that task.”
The response to the Just Transition Commission's recommendations is available on the Scottish Government website.
The full membership of the new Just Transition Commission will be announced in due course.
