May 2020
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
Stakeholders and policymakers at this conference will examine the next steps for climate change policy and its implementation.
They will consider the practicalities and key steps in meeting the net-zero goals set out in the Climate Change Act, following its passage through the Scottish Parliament.
Key areas for discussion include:
- immediate and longer-term priorities for Government and stakeholders in meeting the net zero goals;
- the challenges faced in pursuit of a just transition, with a particular focus on balancing competing interests in the move to a net zero economy; and
- issues for key sectors - particularly energy - in reducing emissions, and the steps that will be necessary for industry, local government, and others to move towards the new goals.
Developments that are relevant to the discussion:
It takes place with:
The discussion in detail:
- Priorities for the updated Plan, and actions to meet new emissions targets being considered by the working group led by the Cabinet Secretary - including public finances and the Scottish economy;
- The final shape and implementation of the climate action plan challenges, next steps, and longer-term priorities for government, local authorities, industry, and other key stakeholders;
- Resolving potential trade-offs when decisions surrounding energy are made, including:
- meeting an expected rise in electricity demand while at the same time reducing the use of high-emission power plants, and
- the associated short-term costs and other impacts that might result.
- The role of renewables - and developments in energy innovation - in Scotland’s future energy mix, including stakeholder input to the future of offshore wind energy consultation, looking at:
- securing and managing growth in the sector to meet the increased demand for renewable electricity as Scotland decarbonises its transport and heat,
- planning considerations, and
- the way forward for using marine-based energy infrastructure.
- Green finance and investment, and the contributions of government and private initiatives and partnerships to funding Scotland’s path to net zero by 2045; and
- Key issues for industry as it prepares to meet objectives in the Climate Change Plan and in the Programme for Government, with discussion expected on:
- the new agricultural transformation programme, Green City Deals, and new carbon emission reducing standards for buildings; and
- what further initiatives can be taken to reduce emissions from key sectors, such as agriculture, building, and transport.
The agenda:
- Balancing competing priorities: tackling climate change whilst addressing energy supply, affordability and support for Scotland’s economy;
- The transition to a sustainable energy mix in Scotland;
- Creating a just transition: promoting efficient, sustainable and inclusive economic approaches; and
- Meeting net zero in key sectors: emission-efficient agriculture, construction and transport industries.
Policy officials attending
Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stake holders.
It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from The Scottish Parliament and the House of Lords, and officials from The Scottish Government; Transport Scotland; Historic Environment Scotland; Marine Scotland Science; the Office of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner; the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate; BEIS; the Committee on Climate Change; the Competition & Markets Authority; Defra; the Health & Safety Executive; and the Office of Rail and Road.