Meeting description: We introduced the Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG) to the Cabinet Secretary. We presented the purpose of the Group emphasising its aim to inform and influence the Scottish Government's response to the climate emergency through constructive proposals outlining practical actions that the Scottish Government can take. We highlighted CERG's 4 priority recommendations which are: to introduce a mandatory Net Zero 'Test' for public sector decisions on policy planning and investment; to enable local authorities to unlock the finance needed to drive action on climate change mitigation and adaptation; to introduce fiscal levers as part of a coherent strategy to reduce car reliance and improve places for people; and to create the right environment for commercial building sector commitment to a large-scale retrofit and heat decarbonisation pilot in every Scottish city. We presented CERG's ability to convene groups of experts to share their experience and ideas on actions to facilitate a rapid and just transition. Lastly we discussed CERG's plan to prepare and circulate discussion papers on each proposal over the summer and to organise roundtables between CERG members external experts government representatives and Ministers in the autumn. We asked the Cabinet Secretary whether she saw value in this approach.
Topic label: Climate