CXC Newsletter: November / December 2024
ClimateXChange
We're Scotland's centre of expertise on climate change, connecting research and policy.
Our bumper two-month edition includes details on four new research reports, two new podcast episodes, and two new impact case studies.
1. CXC Project Manager – Colin Seditas
I'm delighted to be here at CXC as Project Manager for climate and economy, on secondment from Scottish Government's Climate Change Division.
In Scottish Government, most recently I've been working on just transition policy, in particular the first Just Transition Plans across all sectors of Scotland’s economy. These aim to map out how the rapid transformation to a net zero, climate resilient Scotland can be fair and inclusive.
During my time in government, I could see how ClimateXChange research plays such an important part in building evidence that can inform policymaking. For example, the work delivered this year on economic opportunities in Scotland's net zero and climate adaptation economy played a vital part in shaping the Green Industrial Strategy, which identifies industries in renewable energy technologies where Scotland could have competitive advantage.
I look forward to working on a wide range of research to support Scotland's climate action. There is a lot to do to examine economic drivers and barriers, both at a macro, cross-sectoral level and from the perspective of specific sectors and technologies.
2. Target setting for nitrogen use efficiency in Scotland
The inefficient use of nitrogen inputs in the agriculture sector creates nitrogen wastage, impacting air and water quality, and the climate. The global nature of the issue provides an opportunity for Scottish agriculture to learn from other countries on how to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE).
A NUE target is not currently the most appropriate option for Scotland, according to the report, partially due to the methodology in the Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet.
3. International evidence on fiscal levers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The use of carbon taxes is increasingly common in different countries, according to this report.
The balance of evidence suggests carbon taxes have reduced greenhouse gas emissions and have generated government revenue. However, implementation has been politically challenging.
4. Emissions from Scottish hydrogen: International standards and export competitiveness
This report compares Scotland with other countries on hydrogen sustainability standards and the greenhouse gas emissions of hydrogen and derivatives exported to the EU.
Key hydrogen standards around the world already set out different emissions calculation methodologies and compliance requirements for producers, according to the research.
With regard to emissions, electrolytic hydrogen produced in Scotland and exported to the EU market could be one of the most competitive from the countries studied.
5. Mapping public engagement on the heat transition in Scotland
This report sets out key findings from an exercise that mapped public engagement activities on the heat transition in Scotland.
The research addressed questions related to who delivers engagement activities and to whom, the type of activities and messages, and gaps in engagement.
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6. Podcast episode 4: Research and policy for the energy transition with Professor Stuart Galloway
In our November podcast episode we chatted with Professor Stuart Galloway, CXC Director for Higher Education institutions, about his background in energy research, his work as CXC Director and the recent energy transition event we co-hosted with the UK Energy Research Centre.
A shortened interview blog post version of this podcast is also available on our website: Interview: Research and policy for the energy transition
7. Podcast episode 5: Transformative adaptation to climate change with Dr Helen Adams
In our latest podcast episode, we chat with Dr Helen Adams, Senior Lecturer in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation at King’s College London.
Helen discusses the benefits of considering social justice in climate adaptation planning and plans for the new ￡5 million Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) hub she leads on.
A shortened interview blog post version of this podcast is also available on our website: Interview: Transformative adaptation to climate change
8. New impact case studies: Developing the hydrogen economy and decarbonising homes
Developing the hydrogen economy
The first in our new series of case studies from the current ClimateXChange programme focuses on the impact of some of our hydrogen projects.
Our research in this area has informed strategic documents in Scotland and wider UK, including the hydrogen action plan, green industrial strategy and the upcoming hydrogen sector export plan.
Decarbonising homes: International policy lessons and impacts in Scotland
Decarbonising homes and buildings will play a significant part in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scotland, given that they currently account for around a fifth of national emissions.
Given the urgency to meet the proposed Heat in Buildings requirements, the Scottish Government asked CXC to gather evidence on how other countries are approaching the challenge of decarbonising heating and improving energy efficiency in homes. The goal was to draw lessons for policy and implementation in Scotland.
9. Slow progress on climate adaptation at COP29
In this blog post, Dr Kate Donovan, our Policy Director, reflects on this year’s UN climate change conference and calls for urgent action in Scotland.
10. Insights into the Scottish National Adaptation Plan
Kay White, who co-developed the Scottish Government’s plan for adapting to climate change, reflects on its aims and future actions.?
That's all for now - make sure to subscribe to get next month's update on LinkedIn.
You can also view and subscribe to our other 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.