Just transition for the transport sector: a discussion paper

Draft Just Transition Outcomes for the transport sector

The National Just Transition Planning Framework sets out eight National Just Transition Outcomes. These have been distilled into the following four areas reflecting the main goals for just transition across all sectors.

Jobs, Skills and Economic Opportunities – Scotland has a thriving net zero economy, enabling businesses to set up and grow sustainably. People are equipped with the skills and opportunities to access good, green jobs in a net zero economy. This economy delivers a liveable world for people and planet, ensuring a thriving, biodiverse environment and fair work and full lives for people. (National Just Transition Outcomes 2 & 4)

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

People and Equity – People are able to enjoy basic rights, freedoms and quality of life, 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, varied opportunities that add value to their lives. Opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally. Costs primarily fall to those who can bear them. (National Just Transition Outcomes 3 & 8)

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 environments. Our spaces must be resilient to the impacts of climate change and restore our biodiversity. Spaces must provide those living in 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)

The People and Equity theme reflects the Scottish Government's climate justice focus. The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 defines climate justice as "the importance of taking action to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the effects of climate change in ways which —

a) 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

b) help to address inequality."

A proposed set of draft outcomes that articulate the National Just Transition Planning Framework specifically for transport are outlined below. These draft outcomes were subject to discussion with stakeholders throughout the first phase of the engagement process.

Discussion points

• Do these specific outcomes look proportionate and relevant for the change required?
• Do additional factors need to be included?
• Where can we draw more explicit links between related work and ambitions, such as on biodiversity, climate justice or adaptation?
• What opportunities and/or barriers exist within the sector to support or prevent delivery against these outcomes?