A Thriving & Resilient Scotland: CERG’s 2026 Stakeholder Workshop

In June, the Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG) brought together leaders from business, civil society, finance, community organisations and policy to explore the question: how can climate action help tackle Scotland’s biggest social and economic challenges? 

The workshop, A Thriving, Resilient Scotland: Delivering Climate Action for People, Places & Prosperity, focused on the opportunities that emerge when climate, economic and social objectives are considered together. Participants explored challenges ranging from fuel poverty and housing conditions to transport, health, infrastructure, skills and food systems. 

Despite approaching these issues from different perspectives, several clear themes emerged. Participants highlighted widespread frustration with the gap between ambition and delivery, arguing that Scotland already has many of the strategies and policy commitments it needs, but often struggles to implement them at scale.  

There was strong agreement that affordability and fairness must sit at the heart of climate action. Whether discussing energy, housing, transport or food, participants emphasised that climate solutions must make everyday life better for people, particularly those facing the greatest financial pressures.  

Homes, affordable transport, resilient infrastructure and investment in skills were repeatedly identified as areas where climate action can deliver multiple benefits at once.  

The clear message from the day was that climate action should not be viewed separately from Scotland’s wider challenges. Instead, it can be a practical route to better health, stronger communities, greater resilience and a more prosperous future for all.  

We will be using the outcomes of the workshop to produce a report, due to be published in October, detailing recommendations that focus on practical solutions and implementation opportunities for addressing the climate crisis.