Scotland Must Be Ready For Adaptation Challenge

Scotland must take innovative action to adapt to the impacts of climate change, Stewart Stevenson said today.

The Minister was speaking as he launched the second stage of the consultation on Scotland’s new Climate Change Adaptation Framework which looks at how Scotland should plan for the unavoidable consequences of climate change.

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“Scotland’s climate is changing. While urgent action to reduce emissions is vital, so is action to reduce Scotland's vulnerability to the impact of our already changing climate. Some degree of climate change is unavoidable, as the impacts over the next 30 to 40 years have been determined by our past and present emissions. We cannot prevent these, but we can adapt.

“Therefore, alongside cutting emissions, Scotland needs to find ways to adapt to a new and challenging climate. By planning and preparing for change now, Scotland will be better placed to take advantage of any opportunities and build its resilience to any potential negative consequences change brings.

“This isn’t just a green issue. Climate change will have real impact on our economy; it will have a real impact on people. Our whisky industry is showing real leadership in its response to climate change and are an example for other sectors to follow.

“I want the Scottish Government to do all it can to foster innovative adaptation and the Climate Change Adaptation Framework will create the right conditions to release our innovative spirit. It will help decision takers make the right choices for the future.”

Welcoming the publishing of the strategy Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association, said:

“It is in the nature of Scotch Whisky that distillers must always take a long term view. As part of our commitment to a sustainable future, the industry is working today on climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Government support in this area is welcome and helps to underpin our wider environmental strategy to be launched in June.”