Wednesday 15 September 2021

Scotland to establish new Just Transition Commission to support net zero transformation

The Scottish Government has announced plans to establish a new commission aimed at supporting the country's net zero transformation.

The Just Transmission Commission will be chaired by climate scientist and Bureau member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Professor Jim Skea and run for the duration of this parliamentary term.

The Commission will report annually on the progress Scotland is making to ensure a “greener and fairer future”.

Scotland's Just Transmission Commission was first established in 2019, with a report submitted in March 2021 following a two-year remit to provide practical advice and recommendations.

The government responded to the report last week, accepting all of the recommendations and becoming the world's first country to commit to a Just Transition Planning Framework, which sets out a consistent and 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.

Just Transition Minister Richard Lochhead 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.”