A new report from Scotland’s Just Transition Commission says driving less can be part of a better and fairer transport system as the country pushes ahead with efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
A new report from Scotland’s Just Transition Commission says driving less can be part of a better and fairer transport system as the country pushes ahead with efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
The report calls on the Scottish Government to put the right investment and planning in place so that big changes can happen in a fair way. It highlights the risk that changes intended to reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions could prove unpopular if they have a negative effect on shift workers, those who currently rely on private cars to do essential work such as social care, and those with disabilities and caring responsibilities.
The Scottish Government has a target of reducing car kilometres by 20 percent by 2030.
The Commission says if measures such as charges to road users were to be introduced, these funds should go into improving public transport. “Rail, bus and ferry services need urgent improvements,” says the report.
The long-term plan from the Scottish Government and local councils will need to find ways to make services, amenities and facilities easier for people to access without a car.
“A long-term public information campaign will be needed to build collective understanding of what action is being taken, how full compliance is being achieved, progress reporting, challenges and positive impacts,” says the report.
The report’s key messages are:
The independent expert advisory group advises the Scottish Government on how the country can achieve a carbon neutral economy fairly. Members drawn from industry, business and finance, trade unions, environmental and community groups, and academia serve on the Commission. They provide expert scrutiny and advice on a series of just transition plans that cover different regions and sectors of Scotland’s economy.
Last month, the Commission’s Chair, Dundonian climate scientist Prof. Jim Skea CBE was elected to lead the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the high-profile United Nations body whose reports have played a key role in shaping global understanding of the climate emergency over the past 30 years.
Today he announced he has resigned from his role as Chair of the Just Transition Commission, with a successor to be announced in the coming weeks.
"I am sad to be leaving this role and have a clear message. It’s time to push ahead with bold action to make just transition a reality. Internationally, people are looking at Scotland as a leader on just transition. Now we must strive to justify that position."
Prof Jim Skea CBE, JTC Chair
The Commission aims to make sure the benefits and burdens of the major changes involved in Scotland’s net zero transition are shared as fairly as possible. The Just Transition Commission’s remit is to:
"Our current transport system is far from just, and for many people it is already simply too difficult or expensive to get around. Building and maintaining trust and understanding around these kinds of changes will be key. People need to have faith that everyone is paying their fair share and that the benefits outweigh the costs. The climate crisis means every country in the world is going to face up to tough questions like this sooner or later. The good news is Scotland’s commitment to a just transition means we are well-placed to confront these issues together right now."
Prof Jim Skea CBE, JTC Chair
“the transition to a decarbonised transport system in Scotland requires rapid and wholescale changes to the vehicles we use as well as how much we use them. The Scottish Government have set a target to reduce the proportion of car miles travelled by 20% by 2030. This is a great opportunity to address some current inequalities whereby some people have to rely on inadequate and expensive public transport, others are forced to spend money on car travel that they struggle to afford, and others travel very high mileages, often in increasingly large cars. A just transition would involve redirecting resources into the supply of better public transport, walking and cycling facilities and planning housing and other facilities that are well connected by this infrastructure.”
Prof. Jillian Anable, Commissioner and University of Leeds
“If Scotland successfully delivers a just transition it will have helped contribute to a fairer society at the same time as addressing the climate and nature crises. However, to deliver a transition to net zero that is fair for workers, communities, and consumers it’s crucial for decision-makers to go meet and listen to those who might be directly affected, as we have done. Specifically seeking out and hearing from those whose voices are often not heard will help ensure that the benefits as well as the burdens of the changes required are shared more equitably.”
Lang Banks, Commissioner and Director of WWF Scotland