A just transition for oil and gas regions? A comparative analysis of just transition policies in Denmark, New Zealand and Scotland
Date
2024
Authors
Kiernan, Sophie
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Abstract
Oil and gas regions across the world are undergoing significant changes as the pressure to decarbonise economies and reduce emissions becomes increasingly necessary to limit the effects of climate change. Concerns regarding broader impacts to the economy, uncertainty surrounding what we are transitioning toward, and, vitally, the inherent risks to workers and their communities are important considerations for ensuring a just transition. This comparative policy review examines just transition commitments, drivers, institutional structures, and accountability mechanisms in three oil and gas dependent regions, drawing out key lessons and leading practices. The regions of Taranaki (New Zealand), Aberdeen (Scotland), and Esbjerg (Denmark) have all committed to transitioning away from the oil and gas sector and employ place-based policies to drive their transitions, with distinctive challenges and opportunities that can inform Canada’s own transition. These cases utilise expert interviews to guide an in-depth analysis of academic and grey literature to reveal key characteristics of a just transition that Canada can integrate into its own policies.
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Keywords
Energy, Just transition, Oil and gas, Case study, Comparative case study, Transition policies, Climate change, Renewable energy, Policy