On Wednesday 19th February, First Minister John Swinney reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to a just transition to net zero, vowing that no community will be left behind. Speaking at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, he highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to tackle the climate and nature emergency, emphasising that while government-supported projects are making progress, much more needs to be done.
The First Minister’s speech comes as Scotland faces the growing reality of climate change. The devastation caused by Storm Éowyn has underscored the immediate impacts, from increased flooding to extreme weather events, making it clear that climate change is not a distant threat—it is happening here and now.
To meet Scotland’s ambitious climate goals, the First Minister stressed the importance of partnerships and shared action. He pointed to nature-based solutions as a key tool for addressing climate risks, enhancing biodiversity, and improving flood resilience. The Levenmouth River Restoration project was highlighted as a strong example of how restoring natural ecosystems can contribute to both climate adaptation and environmental recovery.
At Verture, we share this vision of a collaborative, landscape-scale approach to climate resilience. As the Scottish Government’s Third National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3) commits to expanding regional adaptation partnerships across Scotland by 2029, we are ready to support new initiatives like Climate Ready Tayside.
Our work focuses on:
Strengthening regional adaptation partnerships to support place-based climate action
Collaborating with the James Hutton Institute and NatureScot to identify priority areas for landscape-scale nature restoration
Supporting communities most affected by climate change, helping them build resilience and thrive in the face of environmental challenges.
The First Minister’s message was clear: climate action must be inclusive, collaborative, and nature-driven. As Scotland moves forward, ensuring that adaptation measures bring tangible benefits—stronger communities, economic opportunities, and a healthier environment—will be crucial.
At Verture, we welcome this renewed focus on cooperation and action. We look forward to working with partners to drive meaningful change and build a climate-resilient Scotland.
