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Adaptation
What is Adaptation?
It is accepted that even if we cut greenhouse gas emissions and the cause of climate change today, because of the ability of greenhouse gases to remain in the atmosphere for up to 50 years, some degree of climate change is unavoidable.
Adaptation is the "Act or process of adapting"
In this context it can be described as reducing the impact of changing conditions by adapting to the anticipated effects of changing weather patterns.
It should not be confused with mitigation which can be described as reduing the causes of climate change by reducing green house gas emissions.
As part of the delivery of its Climate Change Programme, the Scottish Government has developed an Adaptation Framework. The aim of the Adaptation Framework is to lead planned adaptation across all sectors to increase the resilience of Scotland’s communities, and the natural and economic systems on which they depend. It will achieve this through:
- Improving the understanding of the consequences of a changing climate and both the challenges and opportunities it presents;
- Equipping stakeholders with the skills and tools needed to adapt to changing climate; and
- Integrating adaptation into wider regulation and public policy so that it is a help, not a hindrance, to addressing climate change issues.
In adapting to climate change, The Highland Council needs to address the three main pillars as outlined above and such actions will assist the Council in achieving the legislative requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
Adaptating to Climate Change in Highland
The Highland Council has undertaken research and conducted workshops within its organisation and across Highland Communities to help highlight the main issues and priorities for the region. More information can be found on the accompanying page Adaptation Workshops.
The research was used to develop the draft document “Adapting to Climate Change in Highland”. The document is aimed at providing Highland-specific examples, guidance and reference material in addition to outlining the actions Highland Council will implement and the evidence base to support such actions.