Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper

The National Just Transition Outcomes

The National Just Transition Planning Framework sets out eight National Just Transition Outcomes, which have been distilled into the four themes below, to support the coherence of the sectoral Just Transition Plans.

Jobs, Skills, and EconomicOpportunities – Scotland has a thriving net zero economy, enabling businessesto set up and grow sustainably. People are equipped with theskills and opportunities to access good, green jobs in a net zeroeconomy. This economy delivers a liveable world for peopleand planet, ensuring a thriving, biodiverse environment and fairwork and full lives for people. (National Just Transition Outcomes 2 & 4)

Communities and Places – there should be accessible places for people to grow,investing in their environment and economy. Communitiesshould be empowered to reach net zero in a way that meetstheir needs and builds on their unique local strengths in anequitable fashion as part of a just transition. (National Just Transition Outcomes 1 & 7)

People and Equity - Peopleare able toenjoy basic rights, freedoms and quality oflife and have access to necessities such as heat, food, housing,employment, childcare, and wider wellbeing. They are healthier,happier, and treated with respect and have access to full, variedopportunities that add value to their lives. Opportunities, wealth,and power are spread more equally; costs primarily fall to thosewho can bear them. (National Just Transition Outcomes 3 & 9)

Environment, Biodiversity and Adaptation - Our environment must meet the needs of those living in and depending on it –this includes both our natural and built environment. Our spaces must be resilient to the impacts of climate change and restore our biodiversity. Spaces must provide those living or dependent on them with everything they need to live full and healthy lives as they support the transition. (National Just Transition Outcomes 5 & 6)

These outcomes reflect what the Scottish Government has identified as the main areas that just transition activity should cover – including effective reskilling and new economic opportunities, as well as fairness, engaging communities and a person-centred approach in policy making. Through a focus on people and equity we seek to build on the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009's climate justice principle, which is:

"The importance of taking action to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the effects of climate change in ways which — support the people who are most affected by climate change but who have done the least to cause it and are the least equipped to adapt to its effects, and help to address inequality."

Finally, it is important that just transition activity supports Scottish Government ambitions on tackling the nature crisis and protecting our environment, as well as supporting enhanced resilience to climate change. The 'Environment, Biodiversity and Adaptation' outcome will have more weight across the different Just Transition Plans and is included as a baseline to ensure just transition action contributes positively in this space.