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Home Scotland and climate change

Climate change impacts in Scotland

Scotland’s climate is already changing. Over the last century temperatures have increased, sea levels have risen and rainfall patterns have changed, with increased seasonality and more heavy downpours. These changes are projected to continue and intensify over the coming decades. We can expect future changes in climate to be far greater than anything we have seen in the past.
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Illustration of a house being flooded with people stood outside
  • 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 Scotland to 2023

    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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  • About the Scottish Government’s National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3)

    With Scotland already experiencing climate change impacts the Scottish Government is preparing for these challenges with the new Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3).

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  • Adaptation FAQs

    Answers to common questions about climate change adaptation

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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.
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An illustration of a lowland landscape in Scotland

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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  • 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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  • 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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