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
- Putting pressure on politicians to provide the certainty of an end date to fossil fuel production to shape transition plans.
Looking back on year of progress towards a fair and fast transition.
We've been meeting with oil and gas workers, campaigning alongside trade unions to transform our economy and supporting communities on the frontline of the fossil fuels in Scotland.
Read our highlights
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.
What happened at our COP26 Just Transition Hub?
Read about what happened and watch videos of the discussions in Glasgow.
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
- Shaping the Just Transition Commission and winning support for Just Transition Plans
- Building connections and support between climate and trade union activists.
Latest Blogs
Building a Just Transition in the North East in 2022
Working with communities most affected by the phase out of oil and gas to put them at the centre of that transition.
Putting workers at the heart of a just transition away from oil and gas
We’ve been meeting with oil and gas workers, campaigning alongside trade unions to transform our economy and supporting communities on the frontline of the fossil fuels in Scotland.
Why you should care about the Hot Strike Summer
Workers are demonstrating the solidarity and collective power that we must build everywhere to tackle social and climate crises at their roots.
Latest Press Releases
Offshore workers’ demands take on Government inaction and industry profiteering
Workers, climate groups and trade unions back a new plan that would deliver a just transition away from fossil fuels to protect jobs, communities and climate.
SNP voters back rapid move away from oil & gas, polling shows
First Minister candidates are urged to speed progress towards a fair and fast energy transition for workers and communities
Energy Strategy ‘shies away from the big decisions’
Environmental campaigners have reacted to the Scottish Government’s new Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan. Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said: “Our current fossil fuelled…
Resources
Report: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Report: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Campaign Manual: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Scottish political briefing: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Scotland political briefing: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
UK political briefing: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
UK political briefing: ‘Our Power: Offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition’
Our Power Demands: Briefings 1-4 Our Transition
Demands 1-4 cover some of the nuts and bolts of transition planning: how we utilise skills that already exist in the workforce, skill-up where necessary, create new jobs and open up pathways for existing workers to move across.
Our Power Demands: Briefings 5-7 Our Rights
Demands 5-7 focus on the working conditions in the North Sea, and what needs to change in the employment rights of workers and the legislation that governs the energy workforce.
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
Help make more impact
Donate
We can only make positive changes happens because people like you care enough to take action. Consider backing our work with a donation.
People Power Network
Join our People Power Network to access resources, support, training, connect with groups in your area or start a new one.
Events
Find out and register for our latest environmental events across Scotland and online.