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Scotland and Climate Change

Climate change and extreme weather events have already impacted many aspects of our natural environment and our society, including buildings and property, health, agriculture, forestry, transport, water resources and energy demand.
  • Impacts of climate change

    Understand how climate change and extreme weather events have impacted our natural environment, infrastructure, and our society

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  • Graphics illustration of an adapting lowland landscape

    What is adaptation?

    Adaptation involves us preparing for both extreme weather such as storms, and more gradual changes such as when growing seasons start and end.

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  • Warming stripes for Scotland 1886 to 2023. Each stripe represents the average temperature of one year and its deviation from the mid-century average temperature. Blue stripes indicate the year was colder than average, red stripes indicate the year was warmer than average.

    Climate change trends and projections

    The Climate Change Summary for Scotland resource provides an overview of observed and projected climate change in Scotland.

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Take action

Find tools and resources, case studies, reports, news and events relevant to your sector to help you on your adaptation journey.
  • Edinburgh skyline (Ben Connor)

    Public sector

    The public sector has a crucial role to play in enabling Scotland to adapt to climate change. Explore our resources and projects to support public sector climate adaptation in Scotland

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  • People at a community event in a village hall sat around a table with worksheets and notes

    Communities

    No matter what kind of community you are, there are actions you can take to build resilience, prepare for climate change, and make your area healthier, safer, and more comfortable for people and wildlife.

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  • Two people looking at a window in Sprigg cafe, one pointing to the solar film that has been installed

    Businesses

    Scottish businesses are being increasingly disrupted by extreme weather, caused by climate change. Explore our resources and projects to support business resilience.

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  • People smiling sat down in a community hall

    Individuals and households

    Climate change is impacting our homes and neighbourhoods, from storm damage in the winter to overheating in the summer. Learn how you can take action with our tools and resources.

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Climate Ready Places

What does a climate ready Scotland look like? The Climate Ready Places resource looks at six typical Scottish places, how they are being impacted by climate change and how they might adapt.
An illustration of a lowland landscape in Scotland

Our work

Explore how the Adaptation Scotland programme is supporting people, organisations and places across Scotland to lead the way on effective and collaborative climate adaptation action.
An illustrated map of North Uist island, with post-it notes of climate impacts pinned to it