What should a Just Transition mean for Scotland? And how far we are from likely achieving that goal. Miriam Brett discusses the big question with William Thomson (originally recorded at the Scotonomics Festival of Economics in Dundee).

Today’s episode is essential listening for anyone interested in climate justice, energy democracy, and how we build a fairer, greener economy — not just in theory, but in practice.

We're joined by Miriam Brett, Director of Research and Advocacy at Future Economy Scotland, to talk about one of the most urgent and misunderstood concepts in climate policy: the just transition.

What is a just transition — really? It’s a term that’s often used by politicians and policy wonks, but rarely unpacked in a way that reveals its true economic, social, and historical roots. In this episode, Miriam does just that. We explore how the climate crisis is inextricably linked to inequality, how those who contribute least to environmental breakdown are often the most affected, and what bold, coordinated action is actually required to transform Scotland’s economy — and society — for the better.

We’ll also dive into:

The roots of the just transition in trade union activism, not environmental think tanks.
Why Scotland’s current powers are both limited and underutilised.
The urgent need for democratic ownership in energy and land use.
How community wealth building could be a model for systemic change.
And why this transition must be about more than green jobs — it must tackle inequality, empower local communities, and confront the failures of our market-based energy system.

This is a wide-ranging, passionate conversation filled with insight, evidence, and a clear-eyed call for action.

So if you're asking big questions like, "Who benefits from the green economy?" or "What power does Scotland really have to shape its future?" — this episode is for you.

Let’s get into it.

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