Our aim is to exploit the synergy between two linked priorities: developing an economy that serves the needs of Orkney’s population and combatting the climate emergency.
Our target outcomes are:
- Supporting Community Wealth Building to achieve an upturn in Orkney’s economy, to ensure wealth is retained in Orkney and that it this wealth is shared fairly.
- A ‘Just Transition’ towards a well-being, net zero economy with a focus on fair work, and diversity.
- An adaptation strategy to protect our citizens, businesses, habitats and wildlife from the effects of climate change.
Community Wealth Building
Community Wealth Building involves:
- Building on the work already done to support local small and medium businesses to be able to do more.
- Support the creation of new business, including those with different forms of ownership such as co-operatives.
- Promotes fairer employment practices which benefits the whole county through increased spend and less poverty.
- Skilling up local people to be able to benefit from the opportunities that arise.
- Lower carbon emissions because of shorter supply chains.
The Partnership has produced a Briefing explaining more about Community Wealth Building and there is a short video below produce by CEIS:
The Climate Emergency
Climate change is already affecting people around the world and here in Orkney. From deadly storms and floods abroad to extreme weather and wildfires in Scotland, the effects are becoming more serious. Local wildlife, like seabirds, are in decline due to climate change. To respond, Orkney has developed a Orkney Vision for a Climate Resilient and Net Zero Future. This vision sets out a bold goal: to reach net zero emissions in as many sectors of the economy as possible by 2030, and to become a fully zero-carbon economy by 2045. The Sustainable Development Delivery Group plays a key role in making this happen.
As well as cutting emissions, Orkney must also adapt to the changes that are already happening. This means making sure communities, businesses, and nature can cope with more extreme weather and rising sea levels.
The group supports actions that build resilience—helping people and places prepare for and respond to climate impacts. This includes protecting natural habitats, improving infrastructure, and making sure vulnerable groups are supported.
The Sustainable Development Delivery Group has been established to achieve this. More information about this priority and how we plan to measure it is available in the Orkney Community Plan.