“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.”
climate crisis
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
Let’s end public subsidies for commercial conifer tree-planting
The RSE sets out its new report calling for a radical rethink of tree planting in Scotland…It makes a series of recommendations for how public financial support for tree planting in Scotland can be reorganised to better serve Scotland’s people, environment, forestry industry, and public purse.
Northern Ireland environmental catastrophe
Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland is an “ecological disaster” – thanks to agricultural pollution and poor enforcement of regulations inter alia
Green backlash: EU, farmers and the Far Right
“Farmers across much of the EU (and further afield) are protesting and demonstrating, including blocking roads and parts of cities. Many political leaders have rushed to appease them including, in the case of the European Commission, dropping or delaying key climate and biodiversity laws.”
Labour’s green gaffe plays into Far Right hands
Labour is dumping its £28bn “green prosperity plan” like farmers dumping manure outside the European Parliament: no way to save the planet, modernise the economy, take on the Far Right backlash…
Look this way: the glass is half full
“Around 70% of Scotland is covered with farmland and agricultural funding has made its mark on the landscape. Scotland, for all its apparently wild beauty, is like the rest of the UK “one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth….”