Perth City and River Tay View from the Air - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission
Pitlochry Hydro Electric Dam - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission
Wind Farm Perthshire - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission

Shift: Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission

Shift is the Perth and Kinross Climate Change Commission, an independent advisory body providing active leadership and support for cross-sector collaboration to help our region respond to the climate crisis and secure a more sustainable future. We leverage expertise and bring together our local communities, businesses, government and other organisations to help everyone play their part in fostering a more sustainable region. Our work is focused not just on the risks of climate change but also on the opportunities for our region. We want to see a transformation in how we live, work, and do business that is fair and ensures that no one is left behind.

How we work

Partnership is key to making the biggest difference. We work closely with Perth and Kinross Council, acting as a critical friend in reviewing its climate change strategy and action plans. We also bring together people and organisations from the public, private and civic sectors to raise awareness, work more collaboratively, make the urgent changes our region requires, and to argue for better policies and resources at local, regional, Scottish, and UK level.

Why we all need to take action

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent here in Perth and Kinross, across Scotland and globally. Climate change is damaging our nature and wildlife, leading to more extremes of weather, impacting our local economy and infrastructure, pushing up the cost of living, increasing fuel and food poverty and inequalities, and worsening our health. Without urgent action by all of us, these effects will become increasingly disruptive to our lives in the coming decades as the average global temperature increases towards 2°C and even 3°C above pre-industrial levels.

Help us ensure that individually and collectively Perth and Kinross makes the shift to a more sustainable future.

 

We are committed to:

Perthshire Countryside View - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission

Our Priorities

SHIFT is focused on the areas we believe can make the biggest difference in how we live, work and do business.

Our priorities include:

  • Energy and transport: Affordable clean energy and sustainable transport solutions to reduce air pollution, improve our health and ensure our communities are conveniently connected.
  • Land use and food: Sustainable agriculture, land management, and food systems that prioritise local producers and supply chains and improve food supply resilience, reduce waste and promote healthier choices.
  • Buildings and infrastructure: Energy-efficient new and retrofitted buildings and sustainable development practices to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity and avoid unnecessary transport emissions.
  • Extreme weather and flooding resilience: Assess and identify gaps in the action being taken by agencies to protect our communities from flood risk and other extremes made worse by climate change.
  • Green economy transition and opportunity for all: New jobs, skills, innovation, investments and equity of opportunity by maximising opportunities from the transition to a more resilient, low-carbon and regenerative economy.
  • Giving you a voice and developing solutions: Ensuring all voices are heard, from young people to businesses, empowering local communities to shape climate solutions, and helping clear blockages both within and across agencies active in climate planning and response.