21 January 2026
The Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee has met with over 25 community groups and representatives in North East Scotland, to further its scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan.
Community representatives including individuals, businesses and charities met with Committee Convener Edward Mountain MSP and Member Kevin Stewart MSP (MSP for Aberdeen Central) during an organised discussion forum at the Aberdeen Science Centre, to share their views on the Plan’s proposals.
The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.
The Committee will publish a report setting out its views on the draft Plan in advance of 5 March 2026.
Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Net Zero Committee, which is leading the cross-parliamentary scrutiny of the Plan, said;
“The lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities based in the North East of Scotland will be uniquely impacted by the transition to net zero.
“Hearing about these impacts, and discussing the concerns and aspirations of local representatives, has given us valuable insights which will feed directly into the recommendations we make to the Scottish Government for improving the draft Climate Change Plan.”
In December, the Scottish Parliament initiated a national online discussion forum and is keen to hear further views of individuals and communities on the draft Plan for 2026-2040 by Sunday 25 January 2026.
Share your views on the draft plan for 2026-2040
Earlier in the day, MSPs visited ETZ Ltd (Energy Transition Zone Ltd), a not-for-profit private company helping drive North East Scotland's shift from oil and gas to renewable energy production. Located near Aberdeen’s South Harbour, the complex focusses on offshore wind, hydrogen, innovation and skills.
Members met with students at the Energy Transition Skills Hub, a facility which aims to support 1000 people into jobs with a focus on energy transition within the first five years of its operation.
Delegates were also taken on a tour of the Floating Wind Innovation Centre, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of floating offshore wind throughout the UK.
Maggie McGinlay, ETZ Ltd Chief Executive, said:
“We were pleased to welcome members from the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee to the Energy Transition Skills Hub, a key initiative supporting the region’s skilled workforce through the energy transition and reinforcing the region’s position as a global leader in energy excellence.”
Committees are focussing their scrutiny on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.
Read further information about the Scottish Parliament’s scrutiny of the Climate Change Plan
The Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election.
The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) published a SPICe Hub on the Plan including a Climate Change Plan blog.
You can also follow the Scottish Parliament on X @scotparl.
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