Delivering on commitments to net zero involves governments navigating the various vested interests at play. In the short-term, net zero policies may affect some companies’ bottom line, particularly those heavily invested in the oil and gas sector or industries whose use of oil and gas based products is essential to their operations, and require major shifts in operating models. With directors responsible for maximising shareholders’ return, it could be argued there is an incentive for some to minimise the impact of new laws, regulations and policies designed to deliver a just transition, even if their public statements are supportive of these measures.

Scotland provides an important case study for exploring these dynamics given:

  • historically, it has been a major producer of oil
    and gas
  • the oil and gas sector supports 93,600 jobs in Scotland, and around 220,000 across the UK
  • a decline in industrial employment opportunities in Scotland makes a just transition a key driver of economic growth
  • Holyrood has some devolved powers to manage renewable energy in Scotland, with decisions for oil and gas licensing remaining in Westminster

While lobbying is key part of the political process, allowing companies and others to make their voice heard, it can distort democracy and undermine public trust if:

  • it happens behind closed doors, reinforcing perceptions of backroom deals
  • money buys privileged access and potential influence with decision-makers
  • governments and parliamentarians only listen to a small and narrow group of stakeholders

Bringing lobbying out of the shadows would reduce the risk of policy capture; ensure openness and accountability in policy delivery; push for power to be shared beyond a narrow elite; and expose where there are and are not equal opportunities to inform decision making.
This briefing provides insights into lobbying on climate issues in Scotland, identifying areas of risk that need further investigation. 

The data used in this analysis is freely available at on Open Access.