Citizen Co-Design for a Just Transition to Net Zero in Glasgow

The project takes a broad view to just transition by considering job losses, workforce development, small business opportunities, education, and other factors related to the just transition, as outlined as priority areas by Scotland’s Just Transition Commission. The project also emphasises a need to focus on marginalised groups and gender balance in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the participation models given a just transition is predicated on leaving no one behind. Both of these focuses, however, will evolve to reflect the perspectives and feedback from the community. This can be described as an assets-based approach which focuses on recognising and utilising the capabilities, resources, and knowledge present in communities to drive positive change. It is important to involve communities in the identification of the ‘priority areas’ of a just transition, as well as the identification of marginalised groups, which is the essence of participatory methodologies and avoids a top-down prescriptive approach to community engagement. By working with citizens and building a narrative of the just transition based on their perspectives and experiences, the project can identify and leverage the existing assets and strengths within the community, and address the needs and interests of marginalised communities in a comprehensive manner.