CXC Newsletter: February 2025
ClimateXChange
We're Scotland's centre of expertise on climate change, connecting research and policy.
This month you can find out about recent and upcoming CXC events, four new research reports and our new social media account on Bluesky.
1. Bringing experts together
We've been expanding our programme of work by hosting more knowledge exchange events and workshops, bringing experts together for focused discussions on specific climate change topics. There was a great buzz with productive conversations at our recent Climate Horizon 2040 conference on 4 February.
We thank everyone who joined us to generate ideas on research to help Scotland achieve net zero emissions. More details on how the day went will be available on our website very soon.
In December, we co-hosted an expert forum on electricity market reform for Scotland. Read on for details on the post-event report and for our latest podcast episode delving into discussions from the day.
Keep an eye out for future opportunities to engage with climate change research and policy.
2. Energy market reform - event report and podcast
We recently co-hosted the first Scottish forum on future electricity markets with the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh. The event was an opportunity to connect researchers and other stakeholders with policymakers.
Scotland requires an efficient transmission and distribution system to bring electricity from the locations where it's generated, like wind farms, to electricity users. Electricity markets need to change in order to progress this.?
Speakers at the event provided different points of view on how to reform electricity markets and potential impacts in Scotland. There were arguments for a more local pricing structure such as zonal or nodal pricing.
The event report is now available on our website. We also discuss the event and the potential changes, challenges and implications of future electricity markets for Scotland in our latest podcast episode and accompanying blog post.
3. Adaptation finance workshop
We are holding a small workshop in March to examine research and policy related to adaptation finance. If you are interested in attending, please contact our Project Manager for Climate resilience and social change, Kay White: [email protected]
4. Training for onshore wind and solar industries
Achieving Scotland’s net zero goals by 2045 will require significant expansion of the renewable energy workforce, particularly in the onshore wind and solar energy sectors.
Current training provision has the potential to deliver the skilled workforce required in these sectors. The training would have to be strategically supported through policy certainty, targeted funding and changes in modes of training delivery, according to our new report.?
5. Breeding for reduced methane emissions in livestock
By 2045, breeding could reduce methane emissions from the digestive process in livestock by up to 9.5% (382.2 kt CO2 equivalent), according to our new report.
Relevant technologies that could be mainstream in Scotland by 2030 include a national breeding programme, sexed semen and the breeding potential of an animal for a specific trait.
6. Using metered energy consumption data on EPCs
Metered energy consumption data could be used in Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to provide information to occupants or potential occupants, according to our report.
The two proposed ways are to provide more accurate information on building fabric performance or to give a rating of how energy is used in a building when compared with similar buildings. However, these could not currently be implemented as 57% of homes in Scotland do not yet have smart meters.
7. Operational delivery of EPCs in Europe
This study reviewed the approaches taken in European Union member states on operational governance of EPCs, presenting options for potential reform in Scotland.
The report suggests two ways to achieve this. One is to provide more accurate information on building fabric performance. The other is to give a rating of how energy is used in a building when compared with similar buildings.
8. Follow us on Bluesky
Join us with the growing climate science and policy community on the Bluesky social media platform.?
As well as regular updates on our latest research opportunities, events and publications, we share relevent news from our partners and networks.
9. CXC Director features in new climate science podcast
Dr Kate Donovan, CXC Director for Policy, discusses rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and adaptation strategies with Dr Rebecca Wade from Abertay University, in episode 2 of the SAGES Climate Science Podcast.
This newly published podcast showcases the work of Scotland’s leading scientists and researchers in 11 episodes covering a range of climate science topics.
The podcast is hosted by award-winning climate activist and environmental scientist, Laura Young, produced by the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES) and supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund.
Make sure to subscribe to get next month's update on LinkedIn.
You can also sign up for our longer emailed newsletter, which includes a selection of external developments and opportunities relevant to climate change research and policy in the Scottish context. ClimateXChange newsletter
ClimateXChange is Scotland's centre of expertise on climate change. We provide a research, advice and analysis service to policy teams and associated public agencies. We are funded by the Scottish Government.