“European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has unveiled her new team for the next five years. But are the climate and biodiversity crises going to receive the deep and urgent attention they need or are security and competitiveness challenges taking over as priorities? “
climate crisis
How to garden in a changing climate?
How do we meet the needs of birds, bees and butterflies when storms blow the blossom off our wild fruit trees and flowering times are thoroughly out of sync with birds, bats and insects hatching?
Perhaps answers are growing in the garden.
Saving Loch Torridon
“It should be up to the government, acting on behalf of all of us, to protect the maerl beds of Loch Torridon. They are in a stronger position to stand up to the rich and powerful and all the marketing and muddying of the water that money can buy.”
The excessive price of the energy Union
“Energy is a clear example of how Scotland is being held back by being part of the UK. The price of Union is an energy policy set in the south of England which means Scotland’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse is being squandered. “
Just transition is correct response to Europe’s far right
“In the next EU legislative cycle, to 2029, this greening (plus digital transformation) must continue. But it must come with greater sensitivity towards public readiness, with a much bigger emphasis on informing and educating and, above all, on socio-economic justice. The much-heralded just transition should be the Leitmotif of the next five years. This is a much better response than the rowing back on green ambition…”
Are there thousands of jobs at risk in North East Scotland?
“The energy transition does have to happen, oil and gas will decline, and policymakers must look to see how investment can be unlocked in these new technologies to ensure the transition happens in a way that protects workers and communities.”
Swinney must move beyond old orthodoxies
Scotland cannot transform its economy using the policy playbook from the 1990s, argues this leading economic commentator/analyst. It needs a huge injection of low-carbon investment (and more) to meet net zero and make the just transition.
What next for Yousaf and the SNP?
“Scotland has harvested much of the low-hanging fruit when it comes to reducing carbon emissions – although there are still big gains to be made from insulating homes. The Parliament’s powers are very limited. It can’t borrow money to invest and its capital budget has been slashed. A greater degree of cross-party unity will be needed to make serious progress in the areas which are within its reach.”
What about climate policies in this political crisis?
“As Humza Yousaf’s future as First Minister hangs in the balance, the more important question is what happens to the push for vital climate and biodiversity policies after the collapse of the Bute House Agreement.”
Ignore farmers’ protests at your peril
Farmers are protesting across Europe, including Wales, at loss of income and green regulations – prompting support from the Far Right and danger signals for mainstream politicians