What is climate adaptation?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines adaptation as:
"adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities".
Types of adaptation
Climate adaptation includes:
- adapting to present climate and weather
- making changes based on future climate projections
Why adaptation is needed
Even if we reach net zero emissions in Highland, we still need to adapt. We have a legal duty to do this under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act.
We are already seeing the effects of climate change in the highlands, including:
- storms
- periods of high temperatures
- intense rainfall
These events are causing more frequent:
- flooding
- wildfires
- landslips
These impacts are expected to intensify in the coming years.
“Did you know the 10 hottest years in Scotland have all occurred since 1997?”
– Adaptation Scotland
Consequences for the highlands
The Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme identifies key risks:
- reduced agricultural productivity
- increased pests and disease
- damage to the natural environment
- threats to food security
- increased risk of flooding
Find out more at the Adaptation Scotland website.