Knowledge hub

Camilla Toulmin describes the term “just transition” and associated concepts, its origins and how it is being translated into policies and institutions in different parts of the world. She reviews experience to date with Scotland’s Just Transition Commission, before highlighting a number of questions for the RSE Environment Community of Interest to consider as areas […]

Scotland’s marine environment is vast and vital – covering 90% of its territory and shaping its economy, culture, and biodiversity. Discover the key threats facing Scottish seas and why protecting them matters.

Scotland is demanding so many uses from its land that conflicts are inevitable. This piece offers a means of trying to resolve the conflicts.

Our climate is changing, and biodiversity is in decline. Scotland has declared nature and climate emergencies, but are these being tackled collectively and urgently?

Catch up as David Pratt delivers this year’s McCormick Lecture at the RSE – recording now available.

Patricia Macdonald highlights concerns about the context for tackling today’s interconnected climate, environmental, and social crises.

Roger Crofts urges the Scottish Government to consider this within the forthcoming Natural Environment Bill, highlighting potential pathways.

Hear the importance of Scotland’s space sector to the economy, society, and tackling climate change.

Watch the recording as Ian Redmond visits the RSE in this sold-out event covering the impact of the illegal wildlife trade, the importance of responsible eco-tourism, and the role of species like gorillas in preserving ecosystems.

Ice loss from glaciers and polar ice sheets is a major driver of global sea-level rise, which has doubled in pace since 2006.

Joyce Tait writes about the role of engineering biology and industrial biotechnology in driving environmental benefits in the UK.

The rise of the environmental humanities challenge the dichotomy between humanity and nature. Tim Ingold advocates for a collaborative, relational approach inspired by environmental humanities and indigenous knowledge to dissolve boundaries between humans, nonhumans, and the environment.

To make progress for people, place, and biodiversity, Karen Anderson argue the need for improvements in the implementation of policy and practice and changing attitudes in all parties.

Diversity of communities: In addressing environmental questions related specifically to Scotland there are a range of communities who see the challenge for the point of view of their own interest group. Do we discuss environmental issues within siloes?

Productivity is essential for economic progress, and structured management in SMEs can unlock untapped potential, addressing key challenges facing Scotland’s economy.

Jörg Feldmann highlights the need to address the unknown consequences of technological innovation on the environment and human health, particularly regarding Polyfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFAS) and renewable energy technologies. While noting the benefits of innovation, he questions the adequacy of current assessment methods and urges greater use of the Precautionary Principle. Feldmann proposes a two-tier […]

Scotland’s economy can thrive by scaling high-tech SMEs, supporting innovation, and fostering investment in key sectors like AI, life sciences, and renewable energy.

Scotland’s fresh waters provide a varied and valuable resource that has been used in many different ways over time.