Our recovery will be an environmentally sustainable and green recovery. Everything we’re doing, whether it be on skills, business support, investment, is focused on sustainability and ensuring a just transition to net zero by 2045.
- The Scottish Government Economic Recovery Implementation Plan, August 2020
The economic crisis caused by the global health pandemic has been unprecedented in the postwar history of the world, and so the response too, ought to match the scale of the challenge.
As a founder nation of the WeGo Alliance, along with Iceland and New Zealand, much of the thinking on a bringing a wellbeing economy - an ethos of economic management prioritizing the wellbeing of people and planet ahead of a naked pursuit of economic growth - into fruition was already well-underway in Scotland.
But now, after the worst global health crisis in a century and the worst economic collapse in over 300 years, to many it is an idea whose time has come.
And in tackling the immediate economic challenges, there is also a need to foster that same urgency with the other emergency, blighting the planet - the Climate Emergency. If we are to avert the environmental consequences laid bare in the UN IPCC Report in 2018, it is necessary to use this crisis to develop new ethos and to build resilience into our economy and our planet.
The Scottish Government was the first in the world to declare a Climate Emergency and Scotland also has pioneering national waste management and land use strategies, an innovative Just Transition Commission as well as some of the strictest air quality and emissions targets in the world.
But now is the time for bold and decisive action to build a resilient, circular economy that is not simply about the uncomplicated pursuit of growth but prioritises the growth of people and protects the planet.
As Scotland's foremost political communications and events company, Holyrood is in a unique position to provide a platform to the many stakeholders who would wish to be involved in these discussions.
Book now or email or call Adam on 0131 285 1692
If you have an inspiring case study or a project that you think is relevant, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always on the lookout for new speakers.