There are lots of things we can and should be doing to limit warming and help us to avoid the most catastrophic scenarios we face. However, we've got to make changes to our built environments and how we live, to adapt to the changes we expect to see. Now we have a window of time to do this, before we begin to experience the full effects of climate change. We need to be ready for both extreme weather events, and the more subtle, gradual changes to things like growing seasons and rising sea levels. We can no longer just plan for the conditions we have seen in the past, but need to think about what our buildings, places and people will experience in the decades to come.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines adaptation as: "The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects, in order to moderate harm or explicit beneficial opportunities".
We expect that Scotland will experience warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers, along with an increase in both the frequency and severity of extremes of weather (UK Climate Projections: Headline Findings August 2022 - Met Office). A warmer climate, with significant changes in rainfall patterns is going to have lots of knock - on effects in both expected and surprising areas of lives.
The Impacts on Scotland
15 key consequences have been identified by Adaptation Scotland (Verture), where the impacts of climate change are already being experienced, and likely to become even more of a concern in the future. These are wide ranging, from the expected effects on the natural and farmed environments, through to health and well-being and impacts on our cultural heritage. We don't yet know what the severity of these impacts will be, as there is a variation in climate models, and uncertainty about how successful we are going to be at reducing our global emissions and on what timescale this will happen.
The Scottish Government has recently published The Scottish National Adaptation Plan (2024-2029) to set out the actions and investments they will take to make Scotland more resilient to the impacts of climate change. It is responding to an assessment of the risks facing Scotland from the Climate Change Committee and advises that we plan for a global temperature rise of 2°C and assess the risks up to 4°C. It also recognises that while the effects of climate change will be experienced universally, it will have more damaging impacts on some people and places. A just transition means that we need to consider the needs of those who are more exposed to climate hazards, and those who have less capacity to adapt. It’s worth a read through, as is their accompanying version for children.
They have also set up Adaptation Scotland, which is a programme to provide advice and support to help Scotland be more prepared and more resilient to the effects of climate change. Plus, they have created a website with lots of resources for individuals, communities and organisations to learn more about climate adaptation, including their Climate Ready Places resource, to explore the impacts of climate change on typical Scottish places.
The research from the Scottish Government and resources and information from Adaptation Scotland are already being used locally to shape a Climate Ready Aberdeenshire, which is a regional strategy for climate adaptation and mitigation. This is a cross sector network, which NESCAN is involved in.
Its vision is that:
All sectors, including public, private and the community, are increasingly engaged in shared dialogue, shared goals and shared action relating to climate, biodiversity, and sustainability in support in support of a flourishing Aberdeenshire.
So, what can we do?
While some adaptations are things that we can do quickly, many are changes that we’ll make over the longer term. This means some of them can be planned into maintenance and changes we’ll already need to make as things come to the end of their lifespan—whether that’s to the things within our own control or the larger scale projects that businesses and councils and landowners undertake. Adaptation means making positive changes that will make better places to live, work and play for the future.
In our homes
When you are thinking about making changes, take time to find out what will be of most benefit into the future. This may mean getting a retrofit assessment so you can understand what will be beneficial to you as every building is different. Over time, as you upgrade heating systems, insulation, windows or even your appliances, see what are the lowest carbon options available to make your home more efficient and thermally comfortable. Locally the North East Scotland Retrofit Hub (NESFIT) are worth contacting (at the time of writing, they are working towards employing their first staff member to begin their retrofit project). Organisations like Home Energy Scotland may also be able to help with this and some people or projects may be eligible for grants or loans to help cover costs.
In our gardens
Consider biodiversity and make space for a variety of plants, insects, birds and animals, all of whom are struggling to adapt too. Try to retain or restore porous surfaces to allow rain to soak in rather than run off. When you are planting, try to find plants that will tolerate the expected hotter, drier weather without needed extra watering, as well as occasional intense rainfall.
Gardening in a changing climate report by Royal Horticultural Society and the short version are well worth a read.
In communities
Get involved in decision making! We’re going to have to make adaptations in all areas of our lives, and we have influence where we are. Decisions are made by those that show up and make their voices heard. Whether it’s suggesting you take the train for a trip with friends, joining your community council and getting them to think about long term sustainability, or voting in elections and engaging with politicians, we can use our influence in all the places we find ourselves.
Alongside NESCAN, SSCAN has lots of information for community groups on adaptation. If you have any questions, are curious about how you and your friends and neighbours can start to make an impact, why not become a member of NESCAN? It's free and we’d love to support you on your first or next steps.
