TRANSECTS Project

That Parliament congratulates the University of Aberdeen on its participation in a unique research project exploring the impact of energy transitions on coastal communities; understands that the TRANSECTS project (TRANSitions in Energy for Coastal Communities over Time and Space) will see the University of Aberdeen work in partnership with other universities across Scotland, including Heriot-Watt University, University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Strathclyde, alongside the University of Hull, to study the environmental and socio-cultural changes that previous energy transitions have had on coastal communities, to help ensure that the transition to renewable energy is as just as possible for the communities that it will affect; further understands that the east coast of Scotland will be one of three case study areas where researchers from multiple disciplines will build a picture of "the human side of energy transition" using scientific data, ranging from migration and employment to mental and physical health; notes that the Aberdeen team will include Dr Daria Shapovalova (Law), Professor Tavis Potts (Geosciences) and Dr Kate Gormley (Interdisciplinary Fellow) and will build on the expertise developed in the Just Transition Lab to provide new understanding of how coastal communities experience change; believes that this work will be crucial in aiding the just transition to a net zero economy, and wishes the research team well in their endeavours.