A just transition should be part of the UK’s industrial strategy

The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission calls for an Industrial Strategy to be put in place to enable the transition to green steel while supporting local communities and securing a future for steel production in Scunthorpe. This is critical to achieving a just transition for Yorkshire and the Humber, while furnaces remain active in the short term. Current events underline the need for a stronger national and cross-party focus on the opportunities and challenges of the Humber industrial cluster.

In the Commission’s response to the Government’s Industrial Strategy green paper in November last year, the Commission emphasised the importance of having a specific focus on the Humber and its major industrial cluster, which includes the Scunthorpe steelworks.

The response also emphasised the importance of having clear targeted plans to support communities that are in the places that are instrumental to decarbonisation and climate resilience.

The region’s Climate Action Plan clearly sets out the importance of managing the transition to a low carbon society with care. If done badly, there is a risk that existing inequalities in society will be worsened and new ones created. Cuts to carbon intensive industries without plans to support workers will lead to job losses and damaged communities.

A successful Industrial Strategy, as proposed by the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, must be underpinned by a broader approach to industrial decarbonisation, that:

• Creates a pro-active regulatory environment that empowers businesses across all sectors – not just the high-growth sectors – to invest in training, skills, R&D and decarbonisation.
• Enables fair and inclusive climate action, targeting places where inequalities are profound and economic transformation challenges are greatest. Invest in their foundational economies and educational institutions, rather than relying on the trickle-down effects of focusing on high-growth sectors.
• Transforms our energy system by reducing demand, increasing energy efficiency and fully engaging communities in the planning of new energy infrastructure.

The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, an independent collaboration across public, private and non-governmental sectors, supported by the Yorkshire Leaders Board, is keen to work with central Government, across all parties, to do just that.

Asif Husain-Naviatti

Chair, Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission