The Centre for Energy Ethics hosted an all-day hybrid event on Friday 10 May. This event saw a distinguished line-up of panellists and attendees come together to discuss Scotland’s journey from the Climate Change (Scotland) Act of 2009 to the present, and beyond to the country’s Net Zero target.
The ‘Acting on Climate Change Policy, Rights and Net Zero’ event opened with a networking breakfast before the first session of the day on the topic of Investing in Sustainability. This session, led by University Quaestor and Factor, Derek Watson, provided an overview of the current and proposed plans for renewable energy developments at the university. The Quaestor also announced the recent launch of the University Annual Sustainability Report, featuring case studies and highlights of the scope and breadth of work being undertaken across the University, noting the alignment with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals – the first time the Report has been structured this way.
Following the morning session, CEE member and lecturer in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, Dr Lydia Cole, was joined by Professor Rowan Cruft from Stirling University, and Dr Daria Shapovalova from Aberdeen University to discuss the question of a rights-based approach to climate action in the ‘How Should Climate Rights Shape Net Zero?’ panel event.
The afternoon ‘Policy Reunion’ panel session, sponsored by Scotland’s Future Series, brought together key stakeholders involved in the development of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Participants included the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie MSP; Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack; former Deputy Director, Climate Change and Greener Scotland Division Philip Wright; Dr Sam Gardener, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability at Scottish Power who worked for WWF Scotland at the time; Dr Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, and Jenny Stanning, who worked in parliament at the time and now leads on external affairs for Offshore Energy UK. The discussion was facilitated by Assistant Vice-Principal (International) Professor Stephen Gethins, formerly a Special Adviser to the First Minister on EU, International Affairs, Energy and Climate Change.
Registered attendees can revisit the sessions for the remainder of May. Simply log in to our vFairs event client and you will be able to view recordings and check out our specially-tailored event booths.
