A new report from CERG has outlined a series of recommendations for the Scottish government to achieve a net zero economy
A report from the Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG) calls upon the First Minister and Scottish Government to embrace strong policy and a coordinated response in the transition to a climate resilient, net zero economy.
In ‘Committing to delivery: Certainty and leadership for a just transition to a net zero, climate resilient future for Scotland’, the CERG outlines how to remove barriers to progress in achieving Holyrood’s 2030 net zero targets.
Stefanie O’Gorman, director of sustainable economics at Ramboll and steering group member of CERG, commented: “The rapid scale up of action must start now.
“Every delay increases the social, economic, and environmental costs of the just transition to net zero, as well as costs of adapting to climate impacts like increasing severity of storm events and overheating of buildings and floods.”
The report focuses on four areas to establish a net zero economy:
- introducing a Net Zero Test to inform investment and policy decisions
- creating fiscal levers as part of a cohesive strategy to improve places for people and reduce reliance on cars
- encourage commerical building sector commitment to a large-scale retrofit and heat decarbonisation pilot in every Scottish city
- grant local authorities the powers to unlock the finance needed to drive action on climate change mitigation and action
CERG believes finance is the key to Scotland’s climate response
Scotland aims to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2045.
CERG has urged the First Minister to act fast on delivering these changes, which will provide businesses, investors, and citizens the necessary clarity for meaningful action in establishing a net zero economy.
CERG is comprised of experts across energy and construction fields
Morag Watson, director of policy, Scottish Renewables and steering group member of CERG added: “A stable and consistent policy and regulatory environment and a clear commitment to delivering net zero and climate resilience are essential to build investor confidence and a willingness on the part of businesses to act. We see action on CERG’s proposals as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to early engagement with business.
Alex Irwin, trustee, 2050 Group and steering group member of CERG, added: “We need a planned, investment-led pathway that will lead to a fair and equitable distribution of costs and benefits across society.
“These proposals show how a just transition can be achieved with benefits for all ages and backgrounds – such as affordable transport, energy security, climate resilient buildings and best value for public spending on infrastructure.”
