The story of BiFab, a fabrication yard that symbolised Scotland’s hopes for a “just transition” from North Sea oil to offshore renewables yet went into administration at the end of last year, has salient lessons for Scotland's future. Profound institutional redesign is required in the near term if national renewal, predicated on disruptive decarbonisation technologies, is not … [Read more...] about Energy transition: vital spark of national renewal or dying ember?
climate crisis
Scotland’s climate emergency
One of the frustrations with the ongoing Brexit burach is that important debates about the future of our economy have been crowded out.Scotland faces a number of significant structural challenges. Our population will age significantly, whilst – for many – the world of work will change radically as existing tasks are increasingly automated.But there are also … [Read more...] about Scotland’s climate emergency
Kids talk climate crisis
Eco-anxiety is likely to affect more and more people as the climate destabilises. Already, studies have found that 45% of children suffer lasting depression after surviving extreme weather and natural disasters. Some of that emotional turmoil must stem from confusion – why aren’t adults doing more to stop climate change?Talking with children … [Read more...] about Kids talk climate crisis
Devolution and climate crisis
2019 is an important year for Scotland’s climate change policy. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, one of the most ambitious and innovative legal acts encompassing a range of far-reaching targets.It will also see the introduction of an even tighter successor to that Act. Introduced as a Climate Change Bill in … [Read more...] about Devolution and climate crisis