Green Jobs in Scotland: An Inclusive Approach to Definition, Measurement and Analysis

The Scottish Government declared a climate emergency in April 2019 and subsequently increased the legislative ambition for Scotland to reach zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045 and 75 per cent reduction by 2030. In response, the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan1 (CESAP) was developed by SDS and published alongside the SG’s Climate Change Plan update in December 2020. The CESAP is underpinned by a multi-agency response, including Scottish Government (SG), Economic Development Agencies, Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA), Industry Bodies, Unions, and the SFC. To ensure that everyone has a chance to benefit from the transition to net zero, it is critical that we develop a better understanding of what constitutes a green job and determine what the current and future green jobs and skills needs are for people living, learning and working in Scotland. This research provides a new evidence-base that aims to do just that i.e. through a new, inclusive definition of green jobs, estimate the extent of and demand for green jobs in Scotland. The research offers a significant new support tool for Scottish policy development and policy evaluation in the transition to a net zero economy. Drawn from a body of existing research and adapted to Scottish circumstances, it offers a robust method of monitoring and assessing the development of green jobs in Scotland. An inclusive definition is important because it takes account of the significant impact the transition to net zero will have on a much broader range of jobs.