Business trying to delay energy transition away from fossil fuels
The industry has realised they are losing the argument badly and things are about to get serious....
Ending our dependency on fossil fuels is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a fairer and more equal Scotland.
The Scottish Government has set demanding climate and energy targets, but plans to deliver them are not transformative enough.
Much of our progress in reducing emissions has been as a result of de-industrialisation, and policies to deliver the zero-carbon economy have failed to realise the full potential of decent work in Scotland. Meanwhile, job losses as a result of low oil prices are hurting workers and communities in the North East.
If the transition to a low carbon economy is left to market forces, we risk a repeat of the devastating social dislocation and high unemployment experienced as a result of de-industrialisation and coal mine closures.
Joint Statement on Just Transition
That’s why we are working with our partners – Scottish Trade Union Congress, Communication Workers Union Scotland, Public and Commercial Services Union Scotland, Unite Scotland, Unison Scotland, University and College Union Scotland, WWF Scotland – on industrial policies that can create a Just Transition to a Low Carbon Economy in Scotland.
We have prepared a Joint Statement calling for a Just Transition in Scotland. The Statement voices our shared concern that plans to tackle climate change have been too slow and not ambitious enough, and presses the Scottish Government for bold measures.
The Joint Statement is open to unions and civil society organisations to sign up and support.
We spoke to Offshore Oil and Gas Workers
They describe a precarious industry which most would consider leaving
The survey findings also demonstrate that workers in the oil and gas sector are well-informed and keen to express their views on conditions within the industry and how to build a future run on renewable energy.
There is a need to increase worker consultation and power in decisions related to phasing out fossil fuel extraction and transforming the offshore sector to renewables.
Read more about the surveyBarriers to transition frustrate workers
Our survey found offshore workers faced serious barriers to switching between fossil fuels and wind projects.
Expensive training and unnecessary bureaucracy made people’s lives harder and blocked them from new opportunities.
However, there was widespread support for an ‘Offshore Training Passport’, which would create standardised training programmes across the energy industry.
Side with workers and the climate, not oil bosses
We need a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels to tackle climate crisis.
Nicola Sturgeon must prioritise workers, local communities and the climate by standing up for the policy and investment needed to secure a Just Transition.
Putting climate at the heart of recovery plans
Climate action and green jobs can help deliver a Just & Green Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic unfolded against a backdrop of climate breakdown, and has already cost tens of thousands of people their jobs in Scotland.
A programme of green job creation and climate action can create thousands of good jobs across the country while setting us on the right path to meet our climate targets and deliver a Just Transition away from fossil fuels.
Read our planScotland's Response to the Climate Emergency
In June 2020, expert speakers from across our economy and society came together to discuss how emissions could be reduced in key sectors at a pace to meet international climate commitments while building a fairer Scotland.
Presentations were recorded and you can catch up on the discussions in buildings, energy, circular economy, transport, agriculture, land use and marine and industry.
SeaChange Report
Our major report has revealed UK’s oil and gas drilling plans, and Scottish Government’s support for them, 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 at risk.
It lays out the policies the Scottish and UK Government’s should be prioritising to make the transition happen in a way that is fair to workers and communities.
Scottish National Investment Bank
Scotland is about to get a brand new public bank – but what kind of bank will it turn out to be?
Instead of funding more business-as-usual, this new public bank could make the critical difference in funding a just transition to a zero-carbon economy in Scotland.
Find out why this bank must work for the common good.
blog
Read our latest blogs on Just Transition