A general opinion amongst the stakeholders was that the concept of a “just energy transition” needs to be better defined – in a Nordic perspective and in a Global perspective from a Nordic point of view. This, along with setting targets, and sharing a positive vision of what the society looks like when the transition is made, would help stakeholders to know if they are actually working towards the right direction and will help prioritize actions.
What we have seen and heard during this stakeholder dialogue, boils down to a number of enabling actions for a just transition to a society free from fossil fuel dependency and with reduced energy and material demand. All which are very possible to address moving forward, like for instance:
Develop unison standards to enable more relevant measurements and fair business comparisons.
Practice vision-scenarios with leaders and politicians to reach an understanding of how a fossil free and energy efficient society will function, enabling them to aim collectively towards the same future.
Increase understanding of behaviour change dynamics in value chains, technical systems and on an individual level, and invest in human centered approaches.
Prioritize to share best practices available for benefits in larger scale, using authorities, various platforms and more of public funds to communicate.
Capacity building authorities
The stakeholders were concerned that we are not moving fast enough to address the climate emergency at hand. There was also a general perception that climate adaptation efforts are lacking in the Nordic societies. Behavioral change was identified as one of the most significant challenges, where there is need of shifting from individualistic behavior and consumption towards a more sustainable, circular, and collective way of living.
Repeatedly mentioned was need of “bold leadership” together with “long-term planning and frameworks”. Lack of such can in certain parts derive from different political changes in leadership and ideologies but would most likely be mitigated by the creation of a joint visualization and narrative on what a just transition is and what a sustainable future will look like when transformation is done. Of course, such vision needs to be communicated and trickle down throughout society to ensure everyone are onboard, to feel certain of their role and see the benefits ahead.
More “green” capacity building within authorities would help with the building of a joint vision. It could also be of positive impact in lowering the frustration by progressive entrepreneurs and other stakeholders who get stuck in complex administrative and legislative structures, and/or are struggling to attract investors, much due to a general knowledge gap around new business models and technology solutions.
Lean administrative structures and processes with diverse input to secure inclusivity and fairness, can fast-track pilot trials of new innovations. To identify and/or develop such, and alert stakeholders of its existence via an already well-established platform, was asked for and could preferably be handled within the Nordic Council of Ministers.