Highlights from SSN Conference 2026

The SSN Conference 2026, Delivering on Scotland’s Climate Priorities: Resilience, Emissions and Just Transition, took place on 17 June, bringing together more than 400 participants from across Scotland’s public sector.

Chaired by Dr John Wincott, the conference welcomed SSN members, alongside public sector leaders, partners and stakeholders, to explore Scotland’s climate action priorities, share challenges and solutions, and discuss how to scale up impact in the years ahead. A strong theme throughout the day was climate adaptation, with speakers highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland’s public sector and the importance of building resilience alongside delivering emissions reductions and a just transition.

It was a real privilege to chair the conference with such excellent and knowledgeable guests. The insights, experiences, and views that they were able to bring to the event were invaluable. I am sure that the delegates gained tremendously from the presentations and the discussion that were prompted by questions from those attending. The emphasis on adaptation and the practical challenges and opportunities that are presented by climate change gave everyone much to think about.

Dr John Wincott, SSN Steering Group Chair

In the first session, Delivering on Scotland’s Climate and Sustainability Commitments: Challenges and Opportunities, Dr Andy Kerr, Director General Net Zero, Scottish Government, outlined the government’s priorities for climate action, emphasising delivery, collaboration and the importance of building climate resilience and adaptation across Scotland’s public sector. Ken Gourlay, Chief Executive, Fife Council and SOLACE Scotland lead on climate change, highlighted the importance of turning ambition into delivery at a local level, calling for greater collaboration, long-term investment and stronger partnerships to accelerate climate adaptation and build resilience across Scotland’s communities.

In her keynote address, Becoming Well-Adapted to the Risks of Climate Change, Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, outlined the findings of the Committee’s recent report, A Well-Adapted UK. She highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change and the need to accelerate adaptation, strengthen resilience and turn evidence into practical action to better protect people, infrastructure and communities.

The afternoon panel session, A Well-Adapted Scotland: Public Sector Priorities, was chaired by Emma Yule, Climate Change Adaptation Specialist and Co-Chair of the SSN Adaptation Subcommittee. Emma was joined by Rachael Steller, Resilient Infrastructure Lead at the Climate Change Committee; Lorna Jarvie, Coordinator for Sustainability, Climate Change and Nature at South Ayrshire Council; Joanna Teuton, Health Improvement Manager at Public Health Scotland; Mark Williams, Head of Sustainability at Scottish Water; and Sam Foster, Net Zero Manager at NatureScot.

The panel explored the implications of the Climate Change Committee’s A Well-Adapted UK report for Scotland, highlighting the importance of collaboration, long-term investment, systems thinking and community engagement to strengthen resilience. Discussions focused on embedding adaptation across public services, integrating health, nature and infrastructure, and supporting leaders to move from understanding climate risks to delivering practical action.

In the final session, Our National Climate Emergency: Truth, Justice, Progress, Professor Mike Berners-Lee reflected on the scale of the climate and nature emergency, drawing on themes from the National Emergency Briefing and his book A Climate of Truth. He emphasised the need for honesty, systems thinking, public engagement and collective action, while also highlighting the major opportunities for health, resilience, communities and the economy if climate action is taken at the pace required.

With over 400 delegates, the SSN Conference 2026 provided updates and insights on the priorities for public sector climate action. Speakers and panellists emphasised the need for collaboration to address the impacts of a changing climate, to build systems and structures that are climate-resilient, and to work across organisational and policy silos. The conference was an excellent demonstration of public sector collaboration to build shared understanding and improve delivery.

George Tarvit, SSN Director

Following the conference, the Local Authority forum met to reflect on the conference and prioritise next steps. Members also had the opportunity to discuss current challenges, opportunities, and developments.