Researchers set out the first roadmap for measuring the achievement of a just transition

Lead author of the report, Dr Daria Shapovalova, Director of the University’s Centre for Energy Law and coordinator of the Just Transitions Lab said:

“The concept of a just transition is well-established in academic, commercial and political arenas however there has been a notable lack of approaches and data on measuring progress towards achieving it with calls for clarity from the Scottish Parliament, the Just Transition Commission and many other industry stakeholders on how to evaluate progress in a place-based context.

"In Aberdeen, where there is a long legacy of hosting the oil and gas industry, these concerns are as important as ever. This report sets out, for the first time, the indicators which can be used as we collectively progress a just transition in the north-east of Scotland.”

Key recommendations from the report include:

Participation  

• Strengthening transition dialogues and community assemblies; considering regional citizens assemblies as materially linked to policy
• Building community capacities to enhance social innovation and community wealth building. Investing in commensurate with industry Net Zero skills
• Investing in reaching and empowering marginalised and under-represented groups to improve agency in key transition issues (e.g. fuel poverty, greenspace, transport)

Workforce

• Support the retraining/new skills development for energy transition jobs
• Targeted outreach to female and underrepresented school students on career opportunities in a post-oil economy
• Ensuring a low-carbon and expanded transportation network so that workers and small firms can easily move and take advantage of new economic opportunities

Decarbonisation

• Developing a unified cross-party and cross-nation energy strategy with a managed phase-out of fossil fuel production informed by climate science
• Developing robust climate adaptation policies and actions with a view to support already deprived areas
• Supporting the development of an integrated and sustainable travel network in the north-east

Data and Measurement

• Creating a standardised classification of ‘green’ jobs since current industry and occupational classifications are not detailed enough
• Cooperation between industry and governments on developing data sets on the workforce; make data more available to the public
• Developing a place-based Just Transition data dashboard for tracking progress

Policy

• Accelerating policy and law-making on energy, climate and Just Transition – including the Offshore Energy Skills Passport
• Reforming law and policy on public engagement in energy infrastructure projects in a way that is more conducive to empowering communities through early engagement and representation
• Strengthening local content requirements in the low-carbon energy industry

Dr Shapovalova added:

“There are no shortcuts on a way to a Just Transition. Progress towards achieving it will require a clear articulation of vision and objectives, co-developed with all stakeholders around the table. It will require collaboration, trust, difficult conversations and compromise as we develop a collective vision for the region.

“Finally, it will require strong political will, substantive policy and legal reform, public and private investment, and building of social licence as we collectively build a Net Zero future in the north-east. Establishing this methodology is a significant step towards achieving that.”

The report authors are Dr Daria Shapovalova from the School of Law, Professor Tavis Potts from the School of Geosciences, Dr John Bone from the School of Social Science; and Professor Keith A. Bender from the Business School. The project is funded by Uplift.