The Scottish Government has set up a Just Transition Commission which aims to move Scotland towards a carbon neutral economy.

The Commission is to be chaired by  Professor Jim Skea. Other members announced on Monday 10th of December are Charlie Hartley,  Professor Karen Turner and Tom Sheilds.

Roseanna Cunningham, Environment Secretary in the Scottish Government made the announcement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Poland.

Roseanna Cunningham said:

“We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality while growing a sustainable economy that improves the opportunities, life chances and wellbeing of every citizen of Scotland, and I am absolutely determined that this will be done in a way that is socially inclusive.

“We are clear that no-one should be left behind in our move to a carbon neutral economy and that this should deliver fair work, and I look forward to working with the commission over the next two years to make this a reality.”

Last week the three Islands authorities came together to discuss moving towards a low carbon economy as part of a proposal for an Islands Deal.

You can read about that here: Leading the Way to a Low Carbon Future

The Climate Change Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament has committed Scotland to being carbon neutral by 2050.

Concern was shown at the Islands Deal conference held in Orkney about fuel poverty and the affordability of having warm homes in the islands. The Just Transition Commission will look at becoming carbon neutral whilst applying ‘Just’ principles: environmentally and socially sustainable jobs; resource efficiency; creating fair work and addressing inequality and poverty.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame