The work of the University of Aberdeen's Just Transition Lab has been formally recognised in the Just Transition Commission's final report.
Underscoring the urgent need for improved forward planning in Scotland's transition to a net‑zero economy, the headline conclusion in the new ‘No Time to Lose’ report - that Scotland is “reacting to crises instead of planning for success” - echoes warnings previously raised by the Just Transition Lab (JTL) in its ‘Time to Deliver’ statement and in several research outputs.
Researchers have repeatedly alerted that the absence of strategic, forward‑looking planning leaves workers, communities and key industrial regions vulnerable to abrupt, unmanaged change impacting local economies, jobs, health and community wealth.
The Commission agrees. In its final report, published ahead of this year’s Holyrood elections, it concludes that Scotland is not moving fast enough, or strategically enough, to protect jobs, and communities.
The report sets out six key messages:
- Progress has fallen short of what is needed. Instead of planning for success, we are reacting to crises.
- Deliver anticipatory place-based planning for at-risk sites and regions and progress sectoral plans. There is no just path to Net Zero through deindustrialisation.
- A just transition is still possible but requires courageous action across sectors. To maintain the social license for climate action, the Scottish Government must now use all levers at its disposal.
- Investment for the just transition must be mobilised through financial leadership and market-shaping interventions. This includes incentive structures, conditionalities and community wealth building measures.
- Communities and local authorities need capacity and resource to keep pace with developments, shape the transition and influence major decisions affecting their area.
- Improve delivery with more meticulous monitoring and evaluation, applying data effectively in partnerships at local and regional level.
As well as highlighting engagement activities in Aberdeen, the report acknowledges that the Commission “has also published research which has informed our detailed recommendations around options for just transition planning at regional and site scale" citing research delivered by the JTL on regional planning and engagement.
The JTL continues to work with policymakers, local authorities, industry and communities to support a planned, inclusive and fair transition for the North-east and beyond. Its research programme spans energy; community participation; equality, health and wellbeing; built environment; coastal communties;economic resilience and the legal mechanisms that support transitions - making it one of the UK’s leading academic centres on just transition policy.
Professor Tavis Potts of the JTL said: “The Commission's final report confirms what our evidence has consistently shown: that Scotland cannot deliver a fair and effective transition without long term, place based planning.
“Workers and communities deserve clarity about their futures. A reactive approach puts them at risk; an anticipatory approach provides agency and opportunity and meaningful engagement for all voices who can be impacted by change.
“This national recognition reflects the University’s leadership in shaping evidence based transition policy and practice. We are proud that our work has helped shape the national recommendations for how to deliver clarity and fairness and it has been a pleasure to work closely with the Commission over its term, and warmly welcome future partnerships.”