Scotland's draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040: island communities impact assessment

Key Findings

• The policy package as a whole should positively impacts on island communities as it mitigates the likelihood of events which could have disproportionately negative impacts on those living in island communities. The rationale for climate change mitigation can be compared with the “do nothing” approach which could result in negative disproportionate impacts on island communities.
• While a greener economy has a net overall benefit, there will be variations in ease of employment adaptation and transition for island communities. For example, island communities have a higher percentage of people employed in agriculture than for the rest of Scotland. Opportunities for training, employment and remote working may also impact island communities differently. Our consideration of just transition principles in developing our policies has ensured suitable measures to address existing inequalities by leveraging the transition as an opportunity to help tackle persistent barriers to quality employment.
• Ensuring that costs do not disproportionately disadvantage certain groups is a cross cutting theme of the draft CCP. There is good evidence that Scottish Government has considered the differential needs of island communities who are already burdened with higher costs of living than for the rest of Scotland.
• The examination of the policies within each sector has noted a range of potentially positive impacts on island communities. Additionally, it is noted that Scottish Government has anticipated the potential for differential impacts and has proposed measures which should, on the whole support effective, mitigation for island communities. This includes further actions identified through ICIAs undertaken for specific policies.