"People in communities across Scotland are beginning to understand that climate change is a serious problem, and that tackling it is an economic necessity - the longer we leave things, the more it will cost us".
"This conference shows that the Highlands is taking climate change seriously. By taking action now the area can seize the major opportunities for low carbon businesses which will help point Scotland in the right direction."
Maff Smith, Sustainable Development Commission
More than 80 representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors attended the Highland Council Climate Change Conference on the 25th June 2008.
The day, was chaired by Maff Smith, Director of the Sustainable Development Commission in Scotland. The aim of the day was to explore how Highland organisations could work together to tackle the issue of Climate Change by thinking globally but acting locally.
The morning session explored the Impacts of Climate Change for Highland communities and introduced the progress to date across various organisations. A copy of each presentation can be obtained by clicking on the links below. Some speeches are also available to watch online.
Climate Change Impacts in Highland
Highland Climate Change Impacts (PDF 4 Mb) - Professor Colin Galbraith, Chief Scientist, Scottish Natural Heritage.
Watch the video:
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
Video Part 3
The view from the Public Sector
De-Carbonising Scotland's Economy (PDF 295 Kb) - John Mason, Director of Climate Change, Water Industry & Environmental Quality, Scottish Government
Watch the video:
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
The view from the Business Sector
Investment Implications of Climate Change (PDF 2.8 Mb) - John K O'Brien, Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager, Alliance Bernstein
Watch the video:
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
Climate Change & The Highlands: Opportunities & Threats (PDF 445 Kb) - Paul Dowling, Chief Executive Officer, Airtricity
Watch the video:
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
Community Energy Developments (PDF 228 Kb) - Mo Cloonan, Strategic Projects OfficerCommunity Energy Scotland
Watch the video:
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
The view from the Voluntary Sector
Practical case study
A Climate Change Plan for SEPA (PDF 1.2 Mb) - Rebecca Walker,Senior Policy Officer, Emerging issues, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
Conference Outcomes
Facilitated Workshops were carried out with representatives to identify key action points to take forward from the day. Following analysis of the workshop feedback a number of outcomes will be addressed. Please see the associated pages for more details.