Our Climate is changing
Whatever actions are taken now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the climate will continue to change for some decades to come due to the long life of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere.
Everyone will be affected by climate change. Organisations, businesses, households, communities, and the infrastructure we all rely on will be impacted in some way, either directly or indirectly, as climate impacts across the globe will also have knock-on effects on our lifestyles.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it cuts across all aspects of life as we know it in Scotland.
Climate Change in Scotland
We are already seeing evidence of Scotland’s climate changing. Over the last few decades:
- average temperatures have increased
- rainfall patterns have changed
- sea-levels have risen
- extreme weather events have intensified.
Climate projections for the coming decades indicate that the climate trends observed during the last century will continue and intensify in this century due to human activities. This will bring a wide range of challenges for the environment, infrastructure, economy, and people of Scotland.
Climate Change Adaption
Climate Adaptation means anticipating the impacts of climate change and taking appropriate action to reduce any threats or make the most of any opportunities that may arise.
By planning and preparing for the change now, Scotland will be better placed to build resilience to predicted negative effects and to take advantage of any opportunities this change might bring.
Adapting to the consequences of a changing climate requires appropriate action, based on assessments of risk and vulnerability. Scotland’s statutory Climate Change Adaptation Programme addresses the risks identified for Scotland in the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA). A summary of the assessment for Scotland is also available.
Climate Ready Stirling
Stirling Council's first Adaptation Strategy is split into 3 parts: a Strategy Summary and Action Plan and a more detailed Adaptation Main Issues Report. Each document is intended to stand alone but together they make up the complete Strategy. The Adaptation Main Issues Report outlines the evidence for climate change, the expected changes to our climate, and the likely impacts for Stirling. It also provides some evidence that severe weather events are already affecting the Council and its communities, with operational, reputational, financial and legal consequences. Further evidence indicates that these changes are part of a trend and that such weather events are likely to become more intense and more frequent, requiring action to reduce their impacts.
The Climate and Nature Emergency Plan commits the Council to a 2021-22 review and update of the Council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy.
Last updated: Monday, November 1, 2021 2:01 PM