Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Just Transition Commission tours Loreburn retrofit project.
A retrofit initiative being undertaken by Loreburn Housing Association
Scotland’s Just Transition Commission is in Dumfries and Galloway this week to examine how the region is managing the move to a low carbon economy.
The Commission is engaging with local residents today and Friday to gather insights on challenges in housing, agriculture, and forestry. They are visiting a retrofit project by Loreburn Housing Association and Carsphairn Heritage Centre.
Three new members have recently been welcomed to the Commission. Louisa Macdonell, Scotland director for Business in the Community, author and climate scientist Hannah Ritchie from the University of Oxford, and Stephen Smellie from UNISON’s national executive and the Just Transition Partnership, have joined the Commission, bringing valuable expertise to the table.
Louisa Macdonell, as the Scotland director for Business in the Community (BITC), focuses on encouraging businesses to champion social mobility, environmental responsibility, and community regeneration across Scotland.
Hannah Ritchie, who holds a BSc in Environmental Geoscience, MSc in Carbon Management, and a PhD, is known for her work as deputy editor at Our World in Data and a senior researcher in the Programme for Global Development at the University of Oxford.
Stephen Smellie, a member of the public service union UNISON’s National Executive Council, has been actively involved in developing union policies on climate and Just Transition.
The Just Transition Commission, serving as an independent expert advisory group, offers advice to the Scottish Government on how to achieve a carbon-neutral economy in a fair manner.
The Commission comprises members from various sectors including industry, business, finance, trade unions, environmental and community groups, and academia. They provide expert scrutiny and advice on just transition plans covering different regions and sectors of Scotland’s economy.
The Commission garnered attention last month with a report on the future of Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest industrial site. They urged the UK and Scottish Governments to support the local community through a strategic long-term plan as operations at Grangemouth transition towards decarbonization.
Co-chairs Satwat Rehman and Dave Reay expressed their satisfaction in welcoming Louisa, Hannah, and Stephen to the Commission, enhancing the breadth of expertise within the team.
Louisa Macdonell expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Reaching our net zero goals in a way that ensures no one gets left behind is not only the right thing to do, but it is also essential, so the inequalities gap does not widen any further.”
Hannah Ritchie emphasized the importance of delivering a fair transition, ensuring no communities are left behind in the process.
Stephen Smellie highlighted the need for a critical friend to assist the Scottish Government in achieving a Net-Zero future, emphasizing the importance of valuing existing net-zero jobs and creating new opportunities in green industries.
