Adapting to Climate Change

It is important that farm businesses actively consider climate change adaptation to minimise potential risks and where possible benefit from any opportunities that may present themselves.

Scotland's Changing Climate

Scotland has seen major developments in the effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change. In 2019 the Scottish Government declared a global climate emergency and revised the Climate Change Act’s Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets to a reduction of 75% by 2030, 90% by 2040 in comparison with 1990 levels, and net-zero emissions by 2045.

The latest climate change projections show that Scotland is expected to experience milder and wetter winters, hotter and drier summers, and an increase in extreme weather event intensity. This poses several risks including increased flooding, droughts, incidences of pests and disease and losses of biodiversity.

Adapting to Snowfall & Extreme Cold Weather...

Climate projections indicate that much of Scotland will see a reduction in the occurrence of frost and snowfall over the next century.

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Adapting to Increased Storminess...

While gales and storms are a common occurrence over winter months in Scotland, it is projected that by 2080 the intensity of storms will increase, with some models also projecting an increased frequency.

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Adapting to Drought & High Temperatures...

In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about the occurrence of drought conditions and higher temperatures in Scotland.

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Adapting to Flooding & Heavy Rainfall...

Scotland has seen an increase in annual average rainfall and extreme rainfall events, which has led to an increased risk of flooding.

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Climate Change Implications for Agriculture...

There are both significant risks and opportunities for the agricultural sector due to climate change.

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Download Climate Change Adaptation for Agriculture: Is your farm ready?

This document provides a climate change adaptation checklist for your business so that various climate change adaptation measures can be considered. This will help you determine the most suitable and effective methods for improving resilience to climate change on your farm. Additionally, the topics examined throughout this document will provide suggestions and ideas that can aid in the development of an Emergency Action Plan for your business.

More about Adapting to a changing climate

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