Climate change plan set out

Driech Scottish weather was unable to dampen the spirits of Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson as he launched a five-year plan in north Glasgow on June 21.

In conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) The Minister set out plans for green measures to provide a brighter future and help indigenous species adapt to climate change.

Speaking at Dawsholm Local Nature Reserve in Maryhill, part of the Clyde Valley green network, Stewart Stevenson said:

‘Scotland has positioned itself at the forefront of international action on climate change.

‘This ambitious legislation will help Scotland take advantage of the opportunities presented by the move to a low carbon economy.’

The SNH outlines include a series of measures in which our nature and landscape aim to meet the challenges presented by the changes predicted, these include:

• Creating and managing green networks around towns and cities to increase the opportunities for wildlife to adapt and flourish as well as delivering other benefits
• Planning for sustainable future renewables schemes
• Protecting carbon stored in peatlands and capturing carbon by growing new woodlands
• Managing coastal lands to help adapt to the effects of rising sea levels
• Managing wetlands and floodplains as natural systems which can help reduce flood risk

It is hoped these measures will help certain species which will face additional pressure in the face of climate change.

It was conceded that among Scotland’s wildlife there would be ‘winners and losers’.

Some species may only be able to survive by being translocated to a new area. But SNH has advised that this strategy is to be used only as a last resort as it is costly, time-consuming, and there is no guarantee of success.

Professor Colin Galbraith, SNH’s director of policy and advice, said: ‘Protected areas, including those privately owned and managed as well as those owned by SNH, will remain important for species and habitat conservation.’

‘What is certain, however, is that climate change is here and the actions we take now can go a long way to addressing future challenges.

‘Our aim is to inform the people of Scotland about these changes and provide advice on adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.’