Scottish Government ditches Climate Minister

The Scottish Government cabinet reshuffle today saw the removal of the Minister for Climate Action role. This role was a replacement for the Minister for Just Transition, Energy & Fair Work in May 2024.

John Swinney has now completely removed climate and just transition from Ministerial titles since he took up the role of First Minister just over a year ago.

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Caroline Rance,  
“After years of lauding itself as a climate leaders, the Scottish Government now doesn’t even have a Ministerial post with climate in the job title.  

“Coming off the back of scrapping annual targets and ditching a host of key climate policies, this decision shows the Government isn’t even pretending anymore. Words matters, and this decision shows that climate no longer matters to those around the cabinet table.  

“When considered alongside to the removal of the Just Transition Ministerial post, the public can see how far climate justice and the move away from fossil fuels has slid down the priorities of the First Minister’s team.”