Christopher Silver is the author of a book on Scottish culture and media: Demanding Democracy, the co-editor of a collection of writing and art that emerged from the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence Inspired by Independence, and the producer of Scotland Yet (Rough Justice Films) and Two Minute Manifesto (Traverse Theatre). His first play, Forsaken, toured the highlands and islands in 2015. With bylines in Newsweek, Prospect, the Herald, Scotland on Sunday, the Times Education Supplement, the National, openDemocracy, and the Scottish Review of Books, he writes on politics, media and culture.
Just Transition – Part Four: the Highlands of Hydro
The achievements of the Hydro Board rank among the most successful and concentrated single instances of energy transitions. As the Scottish Government prepares to convene its commission on a Just Transition — a project to end reliance on fossil fuels in a socially equitable manner — a clear precedent does exist.
November 30, 2018
Just Transition — Part Three: Centuries of Shale
In a Scotland straining towards a two-thirds cut in emissions by 2030, the behemoth of Grangemouth represents by far the greatest single obstacle. In addition to the practical questions surrounding its future, it has become totemic for capital, unions, and the Scottish National Party.
November 29, 2018
Just Transition — Part Two: City of Oil
For those looking for answers as to how the Scottish economy can move away, as it must, from hydrocarbons, the harbour seems to offer hope for a just transition. The jobs and trades of tomorrow are jumbled up with the older hydrocarbon sector as it gradually reaches the end of its productive lifespan.
November 28, 2018
Just Transition — Part One: The Kingdom of Coal
In this first of our new series ‘Just Transition, from Fossil Fuels to Environmental Justice’, we look at the history of energy in Fife, and begin to mine the prospects for a more sustainable future to meet our climate crisis.
November 27, 2018