The University of Aberdeen's Just Transition Lab hosted the Scottish Just Transition Commission and the UK Climate Change Committee last week during their two-day fact finding visit to the north-east.
The Just Transition Commission is an independent advisory body that provides scrutiny and advice on how to deliver a just transition to a low carbon economy in Scotland.
The Climate Change Committee is an independent body advising the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets.
Part of the Commission’s remit is to engage with communities and stakeholders across Scotland to help inform the Just Transition planning.
On October 3, the Commission was hosted by the North East Climate Action Network Hub (NESCAN) which showcased the Just Transition Communities Project. The project, funded by the Scottish Government Just Transition Fund, aims to pilot deliberative democratic processes across the region to build up skills and engage individuals and communities in conversations and planning for a just transition.
The University’s Just Transition Lab is a partner on this project and supports NESCAN and other partners with research on climate assemblies and policy integration of deliberative democracy outcomes. During the meeting at the St. George Community Centre in Tillydrone the Commissioners heard from community members and engaged in discussions on various themes of transition from land use to energy, transport and community empowerment.
On October 4, the Commission held sessions at the Science Teaching Hub. The morning session saw workers and union representatives sharing their perspectives on a just transition. Commissioners heard diverse views on challenges the current workforce faces in transitioning into renewable energy and low-carbon sectors. In the afternoon, representatives of business and industry shared their views on what is needed for a just transition in the north-east.
The Just Transition Lab is an interdisciplinary research group at the University of Aberdeen. The Lab is supporting the Just Transition Commission in research on regional planning for the north-east. This builds on the past research the lab has published on how the oil and gas sector shaped the region and how to measure Just Transition in the north-east of Scotland.
Following the visit, the Commission will develop a report with advice for the Scottish Government, building on the similar work they have done in Shetland and Grangemouth.