Develop our understanding within government and more widely of the application of just transition principles in moving towards a nature-positive future alongside net zero commitments.
Objective 6: Take action on the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss
Priority Action 30. Mainstream and integrate biodiversity policy across government.
Work to develop understanding of just transition principles in relation to nature and net zero is being taken forward through policy and advisory work led by the Just Transition Commission and Scottish Government. The Commission has highlighted that while just transition principles are increasingly embedded in climate policy, there is limited integration of nature and biodiversity within just transition planning, and a lack of clarity on how nature restoration will deliver fair economic and social outcomes.
Commission reports identify gaps in practical application, noting that policy remains focused on energy and emissions reduction, with less developed approaches for land use, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions. Overall, activity to build understanding is ongoing, but there is limited evidence of a clearly defined or operational framework linking just transition principles to nature-positive outcomes.
The Just Transition Commission identifies that nature is not yet fully integrated into just transition policy, limiting its role in driving biodiversity outcomes. Current work focuses on principles and understanding, rather than delivery of nature restoration or measurable ecological change. There is no published evidence of biodiversity outcomes directly resulting from just transition approaches.
Scottish Government – Just Transition Commission
Just Transition Commission – No Time to Lose: Final Report of the 2nd Just Transition Commission (2026)
Increase the effectiveness of mainstreaming biodiversity on land and at sea through strategies and programmes that include but are not limited to: - National Planning Framework - Agricultural Reform Programme - Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan - Land Reform Programme - Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation - Climate Change Plan - National Marine Plan 2
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
