Today, I am celebrating Scotland.
Obviously, Scotland is a beautiful place with highlands and glens and lochs and firths. But lest you think Scotland is all tartans and haggis, Bonny Scotland, with a population of five and a half million, has some of the most aggressive carbon reduction targets in the world. It aims to have net zero emissions by 2045, and an interim target of 75% reduction by 2030.
Their government states unequivocally: “Our contribution to climate change will end, definitively, within one generation.”
This is inspiring and amazing. BUT, even more inspiring is how they’re going about it.
They are using a ‘Just Transition’ model of planning. Meaning that as we move towards a low carbon economy, it should benefit everyone fairly. It should be just. As Scotland’s Just Transition Commission notes: We want….”a healthier, more prosperous and more equal society, whilst restoring [our] natural environment. We want a Scotland where wellbeing is at the heart of how we measure ourselves and our prosperity.”
And in fact, Scotland has decided that GDP is a terrible way (as a sole indicator) to measure their success as a nation. So they came up 11 ‘National Outcomes’ that outline what they really want Scotland and its people to be, and they use a suite of 81 different measures that actually track progress towards those outcomes. Here are the 11 outcomes, as stated on their government website (in British English spelling naturally!):
“These national outcomes are that people:
grow up loved, safe and respected so that they realise their full potential
live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe
are creative and their vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely
have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy
are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society
value, enjoy, protect and enhance their environment
have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone
are healthy and active
respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination
are open, connected and make a positive contribution internationally
tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally”
Are these not just the BEST statements of how you would hope a country and its people would succeed?
So the thing I really want to point out about all this is: This is what leadership looks like.
I have never seen a government be so:
Crystal clear about its policy priorities
Unapologetically inclusive
Driven by the happiness and contributions of all its people - and willing to measure it
And because well-being is a key driver, a clean environment is a natural part of what is required. So is leading by example on the global stage.
By signaling so clearly what the priorities are, ALL of Scotland’s policies can now (must now) incorporate low carbon solutions and Just Transition principles. Even the COVID recovery actions are termed a ‘green recovery’. The clarity also allows businesses and industry to fully commit to low carbon and socially-supportive modes of operation. It leaves no ambiguity that might confuse the markets.
But even more than all that, I am struck by how ‘human’ it is.
I have a feeling that Scotland is going to be teaching the rest of us a lot about government, leadership, AND successful climate action in the years ahead. Or at least I hope so.
I’m rooting for you Scotland. And not just because I enjoy your whisky.
_____
Some links for more info. Seriously - just read the first couple of paragraphs of the first link. This does not sound like any government website I’ve ever read (or written for that matter):
Scotland’s climate change policy website
The Just Transition Commission
Scotland’s National Performance Framework
Why don't I live there? Rhetorical question, I think. :-)
I love this - and we would never know about this were it not for you, Anne, bringing it to our attention. What an incredible model to follow. Wouldn’t it be something if our country could stand forth like this? Talk about having a Vision....