Data led green just transition ‘vital’ to future of our communities
Tracking data to ensure a just transition is targeting and delivering on the right priorities is vital to securing the future of communities, say the Scottish Greens.
Maggie Chapman, Scottish Greens MSP for North East Scotland, has praised the University of Aberdeen’s Just Transition Lab for their place-based roadmap for measuring the achievement of a just transition for the North East.
The Measuring Just Transition report makes a series of recommendations including support for an integrated and sustainable travel network in the north-east and supporting the retraining/new skills development for energy transition jobs.
Ms Chapman said: “I very much welcome the findings and recommendations of the Measuring Just Transition report.
“Whilst the Scottish Government has been making increasing progress, especially since the inclusion of Scottish Greens, we recognise that no one has a monopoly on ideas and wisdom in this space.
“The focus on employment and skills, equality and wellbeing, democratic participation, and community empowerment and revitalisation, help all of us to measure the actions we are taking to address climate breakdown.”
As part of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish government, the Scottish Greens have successfully secured £4.7 billion for climate and nature, waste reduction, renewables and more. They have also shifted the government’s position away from one of maximum extraction of fossil fuels to one of phasing out fossil fuel use.
With nearly 200 countries agreeing at COP28 to start transitioning away from fossil fuels “in a just, orderly and equitable manner”, establishing tangible steps to ensure a just transition is more important than ever.
Ms Chapman added: “There are no shortcuts on our way to a Just Transition. Progress will require a clear vision and actions, developed with all communities and sectors around the table. It will require collaboration, difficult conversations, compromise and trust as we develop collective action for the North East.
“Our support for the Campaign for North East Rail, the £500 million Just Transition Fund and support for zero-carbon heating businesses in the region show our commitment.
"We have the political will, policies, and investment to get there, but we need as many people as possible to be onboard. The future of our communities depends on it.”