A LOOK AT SCOTLAND'S LOW-CARBON TRANSITION

Scotland is experiencing a low-carbon transition – a process recently accelerated by the 2019 Climate Change Act that legislated a net-zero target by 2045 and placed the nation as a world-leader in climate action.

Yet, the ability of the Scottish Government to enforce an independent energy/climate agenda is limited due to its semi-autonomous nature as a United Kingdom constituent country. Scotland should instead rely on its devolved powers, massive renewable energy potential and transferable expertise from the North Sea oil/gas sector to realize the necessary emissions reductions. For the emerging ‘new economy’ to be just and sustainable, however, it should accommodate the workers and communities most affected by the shift. Therefore, this paper evaluates not only the present programs instituted by the government and the economic opportunities available in green sectors, but also the
inequalities likely to be exacerbated in the transition.

Over the course of the summer of 2020, University of Edinburgh student Allison Angelidis prepared a research report delving into the details of Scotland's low-carbon transition. Read the full report here.

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This report was prepared by a CEA intern. While CEA supports the general social and economic justice recommendations, the technical and data assumptions expressed in this article are the author's and do not represent the work or views of CEA.