Just Transition
A fair and just transition for all
Climate change means we must urgently shift away from oil and gas.
Workers and communities currently reliant on the fossil fuel industry must be empowered to shape this transition to ensure it is fair.
With public control of energy we can take power away from profit-driven oil and gas companies. With the right support and investment decent green jobs can be created as we move to renewable energy.
Ending our dependency on fossil fuels is an opportunity to replace our broken energy system with one that prioritises people and planet, instead of profit.
Workers must be at the heart of our transition
The experience and skills of offshore oil and gas workers is crucial to building the renewable energy we need. Work in the fossil fuel industry has been insecure and precarious for years, with worsening pay and conditions for many.
Offshore workers tell us that they would consider leaving the sector if the right opportunities existed. The UK and Scottish Governments must ensure communities and workers most affected by the transition are at the heart of planning this change.
An energy system powered for us all
Our research has shown that three times as many decent green jobs can be created as currently exist in the oil and gas industry.
The transition away from an economy based on fossil fuels is an opportunity to create a better society and protect the poorest from climate impacts. If the transition is led by people and communities, they can ensure it is truly fair and meets their needs.
Read the workers' demands
Oil and gas workers have created demands that can secure a just transition for their industry and communities.
These demands lay out a comprehensive plan, which will ease the transition, enhance worker rights and win a fairer energy system for us all.
What we are doing
- Working with trade unions on industrial policies that can deliver a fairer, greener economy
- Speaking to offshore workers about their experiences and hopes for the future
- Helping communities in the North East to organise and lead the call for an energy transition that meets their needs, grounded in publicly owned renewable energy sources
- Putting pressure on politicians to provide the certainty of an end date to fossil fuel production to shape transition plans.
The Future is Not F*cked - The Film
Entirely shot in Aberdeen and through an infusion of live performance, interviews and cityscape, this film attempts to tell the stories of people's relationship to oil.
It documents a poetry workshop and spoken word night where local performers were asked to consider ‘how do we let go of the world of oil and all it represents?’.
Why people must lead the transition away from fossil fuels
The transition away from fossil fuels is a way to create a better society and protect the poorest from climate impacts
We spoke to offshore oil and gas workers
They told us about a precarious industry that most of them would consider leaving if the right opportunities arose.
Power in the hands of workers and their communities
Looking back at a year of gradual progress when people need urgent action.
Looking back on year of progress towards a fair and fast transition.
Our Aberdeen based organiser reflects on a year of challenging the narrative of oil, working with cultural organisations and supporting a community defending what is important to them
Transitioning away from the oil culture of North East Scotland
Report reveals oil and gas expansion plans
Our major report has revealed that UK oil and gas drilling plans are incompatible with responding to the climate emergency. The research also shows that, with the right policies and support, clean industries could create more than three jobs for every oil and gas job.
Read moreHow we are making progress
- Pushing the need for a Just Transition up the political agenda
- Getting Offshore Training Passports discussed in Parliament
- Building momentum for worker-led transition plan
- Strengthening connections and support between climate and trade union activists.
Latest Blogs
Why climate activists are standing with Grangemouth oil workers
The company’s plans to shut the oil refinery epitomize environmental and climate injustice.
Publicly owned renewable energy is crucial for a just transition
We need to embed public ownership and control into our energy system.
Polluted Politics: The fossil fuel lobby at Holyrood
How oil companies are using their power and influence to pressure MSPs into slowing down climate action.
Latest Press Releases
Grangemouth refinery closure is ‘litmus test’ of transition for politicians
Climate campaigners are demanding a credible transition plan to support workers and communities.
Grangemouth closure reaction: no justice in this decision
The inevitable Grangemouth closure showed both Governments have no credible just transition plans
60+ climate groups demand incoming UK Government fund just transition for North Sea workers
Leading groups sign open letter calling for a “clear and funded” transition plan for workers and communities reliant on the oil and gas industry.
Resources
Funding a Just Transition – Proposals for the Scottish Government’s 2025-26 Budget
What is needed is a properly funded transition, led by government and in the public interest, that sees tangible benefits for workers and communities in Scotland.
Just Transition Open Letter to Party Leaders
Over 60 leading climate organisations have signed an open letter calling for a “clear and funded” transition plan for workers and communities reliant on the oil and gas industry.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s response to the Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan consultation
Our Letter to the First Minister about COP28 & Peterhead Power Station
Annual Review 2022-2023
Report: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Report: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Related work
Our calls for a just transition are part of a wider campaign on fossil fuels.
We are also working for an end to exploration and drilling for oil and gas in UK waters.
The fossil fuel industry backed ideas of Carbon Capture and Storage and Hydrogen are delaying tactics to stop the end of new oil.
Working with partners we can ensure a fair deal for workers and communities
No new oil & gas
Fossil fuels must be stopped to safeguard our future
Carbon Capture & Storage and Hydrogen
Greenwashing technologies that risk prolonging the life of oil and gas
Just Transition Partnership
Trade unions and environmentalists are working together for fair climate solutions
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