Input invited on draft vision for Orkney’s just transition to net zero

The Orkney Partnership, the county’s community planning partnership, has released a draft vision for Orkney’s just transition to net zero and is inviting feedback from the Orkney community.  

The vision would see a commitment from public agencies and businesses from various sectors to work together to address the pressing challenges of climate change while ensuring fairness and equity for all members of our community.

It sets out principles and an approach to reducing climate change emissions, enhancing sustainability, and promoting resilience in Orkney.

This includes underscoring the importance of an approach that recognises the connections between social, economic, and environmental factors and how these could all come together to achieve a sustainable future.

Orkney Islands Council will be considering its own strategic approach to climate change at a future meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, including how this fits with the Partnership’s vision  

Feedback can be submitted via email to community.planning@orkney.gov.uk by 9 June.  

Councillor Kristopher Leask, chair of the Partnership’s Sustainable Development Delivery Group, said: "We believe that by working together and harnessing the ingenuity and creativity of our community, we can overcome the challenges of climate change and address inequalities in Orkney, including fuel poverty.

“We invite members of the public to provide their feedback on the draft vision. Community input is essential in shaping an approach that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Orkney residents. We encourage individuals, organisations, and stakeholders to review the document and share their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.”

Neil Kermode, the vice-chair of the Partnership’s Sustainable Development Delivery Group and the Managing Director of EMEC, said:

"This draft vision represents a significant milestone in our collective journey toward a sustainable, equitable future for Orkney. The vision makes clear that climate change is real and poses an increasing threat to life on our planet and is being driven by human activity but that we also have the power to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity and improve lives.  

“Orkney is well placed to punch above our weight in taking steps to reduce climate change emissions. There are huge advantages for Orkney’s economy by driving this transition as soon as possible and Orkney is already a leader in many sectors. Because we put ourselves forward as a test site for marine renewables, over £120 million of value can be shown to have been added to the Orkney economy over 20 years. We want to see this extended to other sectors, with rapid cuts in emissions by 2030.”  

The document is available from the Related Downloads section of this webpage.

ENDS

 

The Orkney Partnership:

The Orkney Partnership brings public agencies together with the community and business to deliver better, more joined-up public services and improve the quality of people’s lives. Members include Orkney Islands Council, NHS Orkney, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Highlands Islands Enterprise, and Voluntary Action Orkney. Many community and business groups are active in developing the Partnership’s Community Plan and in delivering it.