The Welsh Government has issued a Call for Evidence for informing the development of Wales’ decarbonisation pathway to Net Zero by 2050. The consultation also provides an initial step towards potentially developing a Just Transition Framework for Wales to be published in 2023. The Society will be submitting comments, and welcomes the input of Fellows.

In Net Zero Wales (2021), the Welsh Government re-stated its commitment to affect a ‘just transition’ away from the fossil-fuelled economy of the past to a new low carbon future. Delivering a just transition will mean, that as we move to a cleaner, stronger, fairer Wales, we leave no-one behind.

Welsh Government want to develop a clear understanding of the impacts of change, positive and negative, and how to make sure these are fairly distributed in society. In doing so, they have committed to learning lessons from the past and building a future for Wales that supports a wellbeing economy.

The Call for Evidence is important in ensuring that plans are informed by robust evidence. The evidence gained will inform the development of Wales’ decarbonisation pathway to Net Zero by 2050. It will also provide an initial step towards potentially developing a Just Transition Framework for Wales to be published in 2023.

The key aspects of the Call are to seek evidence to:

• identify best practice, wherever that may be found, for the implementation of a just transition in Wales;
• identify the impacts and opportunities across our society and economy;
• identify the infrastructure and support we need to ensure a just transition.

As currently envisaged, the Just Transition Framework will provide a strategic approach to achieving a just transition which is fair, inclusive, and built on a vision that is driven by improved ‘wellbeing’ for society, and working towards achieving the sustainable development goals, with the guiding principle of ‘leave no-one behind’.

The Framework will consist of three main components:

• research and evidence base building, to understand the potential negative impacts on different people and groups and the opportunities to reduce disadvantages;
• maximise integration across our decision-making processes, sectors and plans; and
• embed engagement with the public, businesses and communities.

Welsh Government is seeking views and evidence and are also keen to hear about case studies and examples of best practice and innovation. The consultation is available here.

In particular, they are keen to consider:

i) The impacts and opportunities for emission sectors including:

• Residential Buildings
• Household emissions
• Transport
• Industry and business
• Heat and power
• Agriculture
• Land use and forestry
• Waste
• Public sector

ii) Support for a Just Transition in terms of

• Skills
• Social infrastructure
• Third Sector, Volunteers and Communities
• Finance

If you would like to contribute to the Society’s response, please contact Dr Sarah Morse for further information.