Blog: Time travelling to Scotland 2070
Blog by Lucy Higginson, David Hume Institute
April 2021
Image credit: Photo by Anastasia Petrova free from Unsplash 30.04.2021.
Imagining Scotland in 2070 may feel like another universe, particularly as we are still living in the 2020s time warp where every month can feel like 10.
For the authors of Scotland 2070 setting out their vision for our children and grandchildren’s generation was crucial in order to get beyond short-term thinking of election-cycle tunnel vision and constitutional questions.
The book sets out 6 ideas for Scotland and discusses the mindset needed to take advantage of new opportunities.
One opportunity opening up because of climate change is a new arctic trade shipping route. It has the potential to save thousands of days at sea with a new shorter route than through the Suez Canal. Taking advantage of our geographic position on this new global trading passage could bring big opportunities.
Supporting nature and addressing climate change were top priorities emerging from The Action Project, and in Scotland 2070 the stewardship of our land and resources for future generations are key actions. The authors investigate reforestation and the protection of Scotland’s biodiversity to boost Scotland’s economy, bring crucial rural jobs, and cultivate our global reputation as a leader in climate change.
For the David Hume Institute the book provided food for thought and a chance to open discussion on a longer time frame. It was good to hear from Scottish Youth Parliament member, Emily Nix MSYP who will be the same age in 2070 that the authors are now.
Emily highlighted young people want to see better stewardship of Scotland’s natural resources and long-term policy. But something that needs urgent action is faster progress on access to high speed broadband, especially in rural areas. This is not something that can wait - lack of connectivity is holding some areas of Scotland back, and should be urgently addressed.
These issues came up time and again in research conversations as part of the David Hume Institute’s Action Project, but whilst there was frustration at the speed of progress there has been a huge change in people’s mindsets as we emerge from the crisis. People are no longer willing to return to normal, and have seen through the pandemic the impact they can have on their community and society.
Everyone has a part to play in building a new vision for 2070 - share yours at WhatsYourAction.scot
