Policy Scotland held the second of its policy reunions on 3 April 2014. The Scottish Climate Change Act 2009 was the most significant piece of legislation approved by the Scottish Parliament in its third session 2007-2011.

It built on earlier legislation approved by Westminster but there were significant differences not only in the scope and detail of the legislation but also in the way in which the issue was handled, not least because there was a minority administration at the time.

The Policy Scotland climate change policy reunion provided an opportunity to hear the ‘inside story’ of how the policy evolved and its passage into legislation from those most closely involved.

Our distinguished panel members were key players in the development of the climate change policy in Scotland. Hearing their reminiscences of the processes involved was fascinating. They also gave us their views on implementation after the Act was passed and the current policy challenges Scotland faces around climate change.

The participants were:

• Ian Marchant (former Chief Executive, Scottish and Southern Energy)
• Mike Robinson (Chair, Stop Climate Chaos at the time the Bill was under consideration)
• Professor Pete Smith (academic expert and key witness in committee deliberations)
• Philip Wright (lead civil servant in taking forward Scottish Climate Change legislation)

While we develop the our write up of the event here’s an interview with Stewart Stevenson MSP who was Minister at the time of Climate Change Act.

Policy Scotland – Stewart Stevenson MSP – Climate Change Policy Reunion Interview from Michael Comerford on Vimeo.