Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland forum logo
Scotland’s infrastructure doesn’t operate in isolation—it functions as a complex, interconnected system. When climate-related risks like extreme weather or flooding strike, their impacts can ripple across sectors, disrupting services and communities in far-reaching ways.
To manage these shared challenges, infrastructure owners and operators need to work together—pooling knowledge, aligning efforts, and taking collective action on climate adaptation.
The Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland Forum (The Forum) brings organisations together to do just that. It fosters collaboration between those who plan, deliver, and manage infrastructure across Scotland—helping build a more resilient future for everyone.
The Adaptation Scotland programme played a key role in establishing the Forum and continues to support its members to turn shared ambitions into action.
Landmark Agreement
MOU Signatories
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Network Rail (Scotland) own, operate, maintain and develop Britain’s railway infrastructure and are responsible for ensuring that the railway is safe and reliable. They are an executive non-departmental public body. You can find out more about their approach to adaptation in their Climate Ready Plan. And, you can find out more about their approach to developing a long-term adaptation strategy for Scotland’s railway in their short animation series.
David Harkin, Weather and Climate Resilience Strategy Manager:
“There’s power in numbers – that’s the best thing about our Forum. By coming together to pool knowledge and resources we’ll collectively be able to achieve more in the climate adaptation space than we ever could on our own.”
Contact: David Harkin, Weather and Climate Resilience Strategy Manager
Email: [email protected]Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ) is a coalition of climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s Universities who believe that working together will help drive results. SBNZ is mobilising research, data and innovation to accelerate Scotland’s transition to Beyond Net Zero.The membership includes: University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University, Heriot-Watt University, University of the Highlands and Islands, Robert Gordon University, University of St Andrews, University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde and University of the West of Scotland.
The member universities are building interdisciplinary collaborations around six core themes: Built Environment, Energy, Finance, Food, Natural Systems, and Transport.
Please visit our website to find out more.
Dr Kate Symons, Senior Research Partnership Manager:
“Adaptation will play a huge part in bringing about a positive and thriving Scotland beyond net zero. We are excited to join this partnership to bring Scotland’s world leading research and innovation on climate adaptation”.
Contact: Dr Kate Symons, Senior Research Partnership Manager
Email: [email protected]Sustrans is a UK-wide charity which makes it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle. They are the custodian of over 1,600 miles of National Cycle Network routes across Scotland, which facilitate over 90 million walking, wheeling and cycling trips each year.Sustrans uses internal climate adaptation guidance to embed adaptation into their planning processes, ensuring the infrastructure and initiatives the charity helps to deliver remain effective and resilient in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.
Jen Strong, Sustrans’ Head of Environmental Sustainability:
“Joining C.R.I.S is an important opportunity for us to collaborate and learn from a broad spectrum of organisations to strengthen our approach to climate adaptation. As a charity, this will help us to prioritise actions so that we can make the most impact to protect the National Cycle Network for communities within Scotland and across the UK.”
Contact: Jon Rowe, Head of Design and Engineering, Scotland
Email: [email protected]Contact: Jen Strong, Head of Environmental Sustainability
Email: [email protected]Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) owns ferries, ports, harbours and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving the west coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary, and the Northern Isles. They are wholly owned by the Scottish Government with Scottish Ministers the sole shareholders.Ruth Rice, Environmental & Sustainability Manager:
“Combined, the members of C.R.I.S have a wealth of experience in climate change risk and adaptation. It is exciting to work with members to develop and share knowledge and better understand interdependencies to improve the climate resilience of Scotland’s infrastructure.”
Contact: Ruth Rice, Environmental & Sustainability Manager
Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is a Non-Departmental Public Body controlled by Scottish Ministers was set up with the express purpose of overseeing the governance of train operating companies under Section 30 of the Railways Act 1993 – including the new publicly owned ScotRail Trains Limited. It was been set up in line with the government’s policy.This publicly-owned company operates rail services in Scotland and continues to be known as ‘ScotRail’.
Scotland’s Railway Climate Ready Plan.
You can explore further details of ScotRail’s Sustainability Action by visiting our sustainability hub.
Poul Wend Hansen, Head of Sustainability:
“This partnership will enable a discussion across the numerous stakeholders that have to work together to take action in response to our changing climate. It will require us to take micro local actions and well as macro actions at regional level.”
Contact: Poul Wend Hansen, Head of Sustainability
Forestry and Land Scotland are an executive agency of the Scottish Government. Managing the national forests and land on behalf of Scottish Ministers, Forestry and Land Scotland looks after 9% of Scotland. Our work – core to Scotland’s climate emergency response – is set out in our Climate Change Plan (2021), Corporate Plan (2022-25) and in emerging adaption plans. The work we do covers a broad spectrum of activity from woodland creation and timber production, hosting renewable energy generation, peatland and rainforest restoration and adapting our forests and woodlands to make them more resilient and better able to deliver benefits for biodiversity, communities and for Scotland’s economy.Lena Boukelia, Climate Change Officer:
“FLS already enjoy long-standing working relationships with many of the partners and know how effective a collaborative approach is in responding to the challenges of climate change.”
Contact: Dr Lena Boukelia, Climate Change Officer
Email: [email protected]The Centre for Future Infrastructure is based within the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The centre’s role is partner with industry and public sector organisations to research, develop and support adaptation and resilience of existing infrastructure and underpin the development of innovative infrastructure addressing climate change, societal needs, advancing knowledge and economic growth.C.R.I.S provides a pan-Scotland gateway to knowledge exchange across many different infrastructure operators and public sector organisations accelerating solutions to address the synergetic climate change challenges and geographies.
Professor Sean Smith, Director – Centre for Future Infrastructure, University of Edinburgh:
“We are excited to be involved with C.R.I.S. and the opportunities to galvanise R&D and solutions for climate ready infrastructure and the positive legacy for our current and future generations”Contact: Professor Sean Smith, Director – Centre for Future Infrastructure, University of Edinburgh
NHS Scotland Assure exists to improve how risk is managed in the healthcare built environment across Scotland. Managing risk in the right way gives those involved in maintaining NHS buildings, facilities and equipment confidence and reassurance.Evelin Bocanegra, Sustainability Manager (Adaptation and Resilience), NHSScotland Assure:
“NHSScotland Assure welcomes this partnership initiative, recognising the importance of collaboration in achieving our adaptation objectives. It presents a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and learn from one another as we work together to adapt critical infrastructure to the growing impacts of climate change.”
Contact: Evelin Bocanegra Rios, Sustainability Manager
Email: [email protected]SSEN Distribution is the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) delivering electricity to over 3.9 million homes and businesses across its two licence areas; the north of Scotland and central southern England.As electricity demand grows hugely in the years to come, due to the decarbonisation of heating and transport, SSEN Distribution will play a pivotal role in developing the systems which support this transition, which will in turn help deliver decarbonisation and sustainable economic growth.
SSEN Distribution’s Climate Resilience Strategy outlines how the network operator will adapt to the impacts of climate change, make use of adaptation pathways, and identify the actions needed to improve the network’s resilience to the risks of climate change.
SSEN Climate Resilience Strategy
Craig Thom, Sustainability Compliance Delivery Manager:
“In this increasingly-interconnected world, if one organisation’s services fail, then this can have ramifications for all of us. That’s why this new forum is so worthwhile. It’ll give us all the chance to work together, to better understand our interdependencies, and in so doing develop greater resilience for our respective operations. With an ever-more volatile climate, this collaboration is more important than ever.”
Contact: Craig Thom, Sustainability Compliance Delivery Manager
Email: [email protected]Scottish Water looks after Scotland’s most precious natural resource. From source to tap, we’re trusted to keep you supplied with world class water and care for our environment every minute of every day. Scottish Water is publicly owned, so every penny we make is reinvested – currently around £800m a year in infrastructure to keep our water the way you like it. But with climate change comes greater challenges – it isn’t as simple as collecting rain and sending it to your taps. We have over 4,500 staff working night and day to deliver fresh, cool, clear water to your homes and businesses.Scottish Water Adaptation Plan.
Mark Williams, Head of Sustainability:
“Delivering effective climate change adaptation for Scotland’s communities demands effective partnership working. Scottish Water relies on a range of infrastructure – power, transport, communications and land – to deliver our services. It is important we have a shared view of the risks posed by future climates, explain what this means to customers, what we are doing about it, and where we can work together across our organisations to deliver cost-effective adaptation and support resilient services for Scotland.”
Contact: Laura Burnett, Climate Change Adaptation Lead
The University of Strathclyde, based in the heart of Glasgow in Scotland, is recognised for its world-class research, applied knowledge exchange and educational programmes. Founded in 1796 as ‘A Place of Useful Learning’, the University of Strathclyde is a leading technological University with around 30,000 students from more than 140 nations. The University includes the Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability and Public Health which undertakes fundamental and applied research to provide novel solutions to some of the most pressing engineering and environmental challenges, including working both locally and internationally to understand and address the challenges posed by climate change.University of Strathclyde Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
Dr Chris White, Head of the Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability and Public Health, University of Strathclyde:
“The CRIS forum is unique in bringing together critical infrastructure owners and operators and academics across Scotland to work collaboratively to understand, share knowledge and better manage the increasing risks associated with a changing climate, enabling the adaptation of the nation’s infrastructure assets to better cope with future climate changes.”
Contact: Dr Chris White, Head of the Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability and Public Health
Email: [email protected]The SGN Group owns one of the UK’s largest and most innovative gas distribution networks, operating across Scotland, southern England and Northern Ireland. The regulated part of the business (regulated by Ofgem) form the core of the activities in providing a safe and secure supply of gas to 6 million customers throughout the three gas networks.We have a Climate Resilience Strategy which forms a part of the SGN Business Plan for 2026 – 2031.
Climate change adaptation report (4th round), SGNs response to DEFRA.
Carolina Karlstrom, Head of Sustainability, SGN:
“With accelerating climate change across the country, the need for climate adaptation have never been greater. We are excited to join the C.R.I.S partnership as regional collaboration is essential to enable safe and resilient organisations for the benefit of society.”
Contact: Carolina Karlstrom, Head of Sustainability, SGN
Verture is a Scottish charity that helps everyone, in every place, thrive as our climate changes. Verture delivers the Adaptation Scotland programme, funded by the Scottish Government.Contact: Jonny Casey, Head of Climate Ready Leadership
Email: [email protected]The Met Office is the UK’s national meteorological service and a world-leading climate research organisation. It is an arms-length body of the UK Government. You can find out more about how research from the Met Office Hadley Centre Climate Programme helps inform adaptation action on their website.Met Office Hadley Centre Climate Programme.
John Harrison, Associate Director, Relationships:
“Robust, actionable climate science is critical to helping inform the need for adaptation in a rapidly changing climate. At the Met Office, we are excited to be part of a partnership which strives to collectively drive forward action today which will help people in Scotland stay safe and thrive tomorrow.”
Contact: John Harrison, Associate Director, Relationships
Email: [email protected]Contact: Douglas Taylor, Senior Stakeholder Manager for Devolved Administrations
Email: [email protected]NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency. They work to improve our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Maintaining and enhancing Scotland’s nature brings many benefits, particularly helping our society and economy to adapt to accelerating climate change.NatureScot’s approach to adaptation is set out in the NatureScot Adapts framework.
Contact: Clive Mitchell, Head of Terrestrial Science
Regional Transport Partnership for North East ScotlandWe are really keen to work with partners to gain relevant contacts for climate adaptation to protect transport prosperity and economic growth for our region. We are excited to be part of this forum and we look forward to being involved.
Regional transport strategy for the North East of Scotland.
Contact: Adam Kench. Transport Officer
The South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) is the statutory Regional Transport Partnership for the South East of Scotland. SEStran encompasses eight local authorities: City of Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian.SEStran 2035 regional transport strategy.
Annual climate change reporting.
Contact: Rebecca Smith, Projects Officer
Email: [email protected]Transport Scotland is the national transport agency, seeking to deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system for the benefit of the people of Scotland. Transport Scotland is accountable to Parliament and the public through Scottish Ministers, with a budget of around £4 billion per year. Transport is a vital feature of the Scottish Government’s focus on increasing sustainable economic growth, and transport investments and policies have major impacts on the economy, people, and the environment.Transport Scotland’s Approach to Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (ACCAR).
Contact: Emma Thomas, Climate Change Manager
Scottish Power Energy Networks are a Distribution and Transmission Network Operator. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses throughout Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire.We do this through the network of Overhead Lines and Underground Cables which we own and maintain. No matter who you pay your bill to, we’re the people to contact if you have a power cut, need a new or upgraded power connection or spot an issue with our equipment.
Our three regulated electricity businesses are:
- SP Transmission PLC (SPT)
- SP Distribution PLC (SPD)
- SP Manweb PLC (SPM)
Scottish Canals owns, operates, maintains and develops Scotland’s historic canal network delivering multiple sustainable benefits for the people of Scotland. We are an executive non-departmental public body.Our 2023-28 Corporate Plan commits to the development of a Climate Change Resilience Strategy by 2028 and Water Stewardship Action Plans by 2028
We completed a desk-based assessment of climate risk on our built assets in 2019 which informs our asset maintenance priorities as guided by Scottish Canals’ Asset Management Strategy 2018-2030.Dr Olivia Lassiere, Environment Manager, Scottish Canals:
“I am excited about the future potential for the delivery of shared climate change multi-organisational adaptation solutions through strong partnership working with The Forum.”
Contact: Olivia Lassiere, Environment Manager
Email: [email protected]
On 26 March 2025, the Adaptation Scotland Programme hosted a collaborative event focused on a crucial question: How can Scotland’s social care sector build the resilience needed to adapt to the impacts of climate change?
The session brought together practitioners, public health experts, and social care leaders to share insights and begin shaping a shared vision for a climate-ready, resilient social care system that protects the people most vulnerable to climate-related risks.
Understanding Climate Vulnerability in Social Care
Dr Joanna Teuton, Public Health and Intelligence Advisor at Public Health Scotland, opened the session with a vital overview of the sector and its climate vulnerability.
She highlighted that climate risks—such as heatwaves or flooding—don’t affect everyone equally. Factors like age, existing health conditions, and socio-economic status influence how severely someone is impacted.
In this context, climate risk is understood as a combination of:
- The hazard itself (e.g., extreme heat)
- A person’s exposure to that hazard
- Their vulnerability, based on social and health-related factors
This understanding underscores the urgency of ensuring that Scotland’s social care system is both prepared for and adaptable to climate-related challenges.
Reflections from Integration Joint Board Leaders
We were joined by Alison White, Chief Officer of West Lothian’s Integration Joint Board (IJB), and Phil Mackie, Consultant in Public Health for NHS Grampian. Both shared perspectives from their work integrating health and social care and reflected on how adaptation can be built into these systems.
Key insights from Alison and Phil included:
- Influence matters – It’s not just about what actions IJBs take, but how they influence broader decision-making spaces.
- Guidance is needed – A lack of clear, actionable guidance is a current barrier for IJBs hoping to integrate adaptation into their planning.
- Planning for the long term – There is a need for systemic, transformative thinking that goes beyond short-term goals and integrates adaptation and mitigation into long-term strategies.
Envisioning a Resilient Social Care Sector
During the event, participants were asked: What does a resilient, well-adapting social care sector look like?
The most popular vision was of a “holistic” system—one that is supportive, collaborative, and able to provide uninterrupted services despite the changing climate.
Participants also shared ideas on what’s required to make this vision a reality.
| What is needed to meet the vision | Resources required |
|---|---|
| A shared understanding of climate challenges Guidance, training, and support – especially for measuring impact Greater awareness of adaptation among service providers Linking climate action with health outcomes Use of existing tools and cross-sector knowledge Stronger communication and engagement Senior buy-in and prioritisation of climate action Translating climate science into social care language Open-mindedness and willingness to act | Practical, health-and-social-care-focused guidance Funding for subject matter experts Clear national guidance to support IJBs Opportunities for collaboration and networking Research into adaptation barriers in health and care |
Lastly, participants discussed who should be involved and invited into future conversations about adaptation and the social care sector:
Looking Ahead
The Adaptation Scotland programme will be collaborating with key partners this year to develop a new resource for the social care sector to build climate resilience for the sector.
Links for further info:
- Social and community care – Healthcare system – Public Health Scotland
- Inclusive Climate Action: A Scoping Review on the Representation and Inclusion of People With Intellectual Disability in Climate Change Research
- UKHSA 2024 Health Effects of Climate Change
- Resources | Climate Just
- Climate Resilient, Healthy and Equitable Places
Developing and Scaling Climate Resilience Across Scotland
On Tuesday 25th February 2025, the Adaptation Scotland programme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Verture, was proud to host Scotland’s Regional Climate Adaptation Partnerships: From Foundations to Maturity, bringing together experts, policymakers, and local leaders to explore the future of climate adaptation partnerships across the country.
Scotland has been at the forefront of place-based climate action, with regional adaptation partnerships emerging to address unique local climate risks. From Climate Ready Clyde, initiated in 2012, to newer collaborations like Highland Adapts, Climate Ready South East Scotland, and initiatives in Tayside, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and the Outer Hebrides, these partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening resilience at a regional level.
As climate impacts vary across Scotland, regional partnerships must work collaboratively across sectors and places, navigate governance structures, and ensure inclusive, community-driven responses. At the event, speakers and participants explored key challenges and opportunities, including:
- Developing shared evidence bases for climate risk assessment
- Setting strategic adaptation priorities
- Securing long-term investment and leadership
- Engaging communities in a just transition
A key theme was Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3), which sets an ambitious goal: by 2029, all regions should have mature adaptation partnerships in place. With the Scottish Government now working on a roadmap to achieve this, today’s discussions provided valuable insights into what’s needed to scale and sustain regional collaborations.
The event featured contributions from leading adaptation initiatives, as well as insights from international speakers on place-based climate resilience in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and elsewhere in Europe. Acting Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, also joined for a short address and Q&A session, reinforcing the Scottish Government’s commitment to adaptation action at all levels.
As Scotland moves toward a climate-resilient future, the role of regional partnerships will be more critical than ever. This event marked an important step in building momentum, strengthening collaboration, and shaping the pathway forward.
What’s next?
The insights from this event will contribute to the Scottish Government’s roadmap for regional adaptation partnerships, due by 2025. The Adaptation Scotland programme will continue supporting, expanding, and refining Scotland’s approach to local-led climate resilience.
Stay connected for updates and more opportunities for you to be involved in action in your area.
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.
Tuesday 25 February 2025, 10 am – 3.15 pm, Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and online
The 3rd Scottish National Adaptation Plan has set an ambition to extend mature regional collaborations on adaptation to all of Scotland by 2029. The Scottish Government will be starting work with local government partners in 2025 to develop a route map to achieving this ambition. Join the Adaptation Scotland programme alongside current and prospective regional partnerships from across the country to reflect on the success of collaborations to date, to share learning and innovation, and to identify shared challenges and opportunities ahead.
About the event
This event aims:
- To enable established, emerging and potential regional climate adaptation partnerships to raise the profile of their work, and to share learning and innovation from across Scotland and beyond
- To co-design the Adaptation Scotland programme’s approach and priorities for supporting, extending and strengthening regional collaborations and partnerships over the next two years
- To inform the Scottish Government’s approach to working with local government partners and others to develop a routemap by 2025 for extending mature regional adaptation collaborations to all of Scotland by 2029
This free event is for any public, private or third sector organisations currently, or seeking to work collaboratively to build climate resilience at a regional scale across Scotland including local authorities, NGOs, businesses, government agencies, infrastructure operators, researchers and government.
The event will be fully hybrid, at ECCI in Edinburgh and online, and will include a mix of presentations and interactive discussions. See the Eventbrite page for the full programme and latest details, or contact Ben Connor, Head of Climate Ready Placemaking, Verture, with any questions about the event.
Register now
PSCAN members at their latest in person gathering in autumn 2024
We are delighted to announce that the Adaptation Scotland programme’s Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN) has reached an impressive milestone, now representing 65 member organisations, including 27 local authorities. This means PSCAN now encompasses over one-third of Scotland’s public sector.
The newest members to join this network are:
- Cairngorms National Park
- Clackmannanshire Council
- Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
- Glasgow Kelvin College
- Heriot-Watt University
- Midlothian Council
- National Libraries of Scotland
- National Records of Scotland
- NHS Assure
- NHS Fife
- Orkney Islands Council
- Scotland Excel
- SEPA
- The Scottish Government
- University of Aberdeen
New members join a growing community of practitioners who are leading, or closely involved with implementing climate adaptation work within public sector organisations. Members benefit from:
- Peer-to-peer networking and support.
- Training and skills development opportunities.
- Resources and guidance, including the Adaptation Capability Framework – a common approach for public bodies to respond to climate impacts and develop their capabilities to adapt to new risks.
Since its inception in 2019, PSCAN has become a leading example of how collaboration and learning exchanges can accelerate adaptation ambition and drive meaningful action.
Nick Blyth, Climate Change Strategy Officer, Orkney Islands Council, who joined the network this month, reflects on the Council’s increased consideration of climate change risks and impacts in future service delivery:
“Orkney Islands Council are delighted to join Adaptation Scotland’s Public Sector Network. Our infrastructure and service planning, already includes a range of safety and resilience work to support communities. In planning future services, the Council will increasingly take account of climate related risks and impacts (sea level rise, warmer summers, increased rainfall and weather events). We are excited to join this important network to build our own capacity and to share leading-edge knowledge and practical action for addressing the impacts of our changing climate.”
The network’s diverse membership includes local authorities, infrastructure operators, cultural and heritage organisations, health services, land managers, and universities and colleges.
Heriot-Watt University also join the Network this year, with Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer highlighting the importance of adaptation actions alongside the University’s carbon reduction targets.
“Joining PSCAN reinforces our University’s commitment to sustainability. Our Climate Action Framework outlines our ambitious carbon reduction targets and empowers our communities across our global campuses to greener living through a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. We recognise PSCAN’s dedication to researching best practices, and membership would provide invaluable access to this expert knowledge, enhancing our adaptation strategies and fostering collaboration with local authorities. We look forward to building valuable partnerships with PSCAN members.”
With the publication of Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3) in September 2024, there is a clear role for a collaborative public sector to lead on, and support action towards a climate resilient Scotland. Launching the plan at a visit to the Restoring the River Leven project, First Minister John Swinney said:
“While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already locked in giving us wetter winters, drier summers and more weather-related disruption. Our new Adaptation Plan is our most comprehensive response to protecting people’s lives and livelihoods against the risks of climate change – with over 200 actions to build climate resilience in our communities, businesses, public services and natural environment.”
PSCAN members collaborating at the September meeting
PSCAN members gather at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, September 2024. Photography: Andrew Perry.
The Adaptation Scotland programme’s Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN) met at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute on Wednesday 25th September, during Scotland’s Climate Week, for the network’s bi-annual meeting.
The PSCAN is a group of adaptation practitioners representing public sector organisations in Scotland. Since 2019, the network has provided opportunity for knowledge exchange and peer-peer support on climate change adaptation. The Network is part of the Adaptation Scotland programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Scottish charity Verture.
Taking place on the same day as the launch of SNAP3 – Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan – the event reiterated the crucial role of the public sector in responding to climate change impacts, understanding climate risk and vulnerability, and optimising co-benefits of adaptation action.
The agenda included sessions on a range of topics:
- Updates from the Scottish Government
- Developing the business case for adaptation
- Adaptation Capability Framework workshop
- Climate Adaptation and Health
- Accessing climate information
Over 80 participants took part, online and in-person. The Adaptation Scotland programme team at Verture would like to extend our gratitude to contributors including; Ian Freeman (The Scottish Government), Kit England (Paul Watkiss Associates), Joanna Teuton, Michelle Gillies and Theresa Glasgow (Public Health Scotland) and Victoria Ramsey (Met Office), as well as member organisations who contributed to discussion through the day. Organisations interested in joining the network are invited to express interest by 25th October 2024.
PSCAN members gather at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, September 2024. Photography: Andrew Perry.
The Adaptation Scotland programme is excited to announce the opportunity for public body organisations to join The Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN). PSCAN is comprised of public bodies who work together to share learning and demonstrate leadership to progress action on climate change adaptation.
The group was established in June 2019 and includes 50 major organisations including local authorities, infrastructure operators, universities and national public bodies.
We are now offering the opportunity for a further 10 organisations to join the Network in October 2024.
Who can join the Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network?
The Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network is open to practitioners who are leading, or closely involved with implementing adaptation work within public sector organisations.
What will participants gain from being involved in the group?
Participants benefit from:
- Advice and support on how to use the Adaptation Capability Framework and Benchmarking Tool
- Space to reflect on learning and share experience with others
- Opportunities to network and receive support from peers
- Training and skills development covering topics such as risk assessment, public engagement and project planning
What level of commitment is expected from members?
Members are expected to:
- Commit to benchmarking adaptation progress of their organisation using the Adaptation Capability Framework Benchmarking Tool
- Participate in at least two in-person/hybrid events per year. These events provide training and support to progress adaptation work and are designed in collaboration with the Network.
- Actively contribute to the activities of the Network
- Optional: Take part in monthly one hour Drop-In sessions to share experience and learning, and join Task and Finish groups to progress action on key topics and tools.
How can I get involved?
To apply to join the Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network, please email the Adaptation Scotland programme team at Verture to express your interest by Friday 25th October 2024 with details of:
- Your name, role and organisation
- Confirmation that you are able to meet the commitments asked of Network members
- A couple of sentences setting out how you hope to benefit from and contribute to the Network
Please note that places are limited to 10 new organisations to join the Network at this time. If demand exceeds available places, the Adaptation Scotland programme will prioritise allocations to ensure a wide variety public sector organisations and locations are represented.
New members will be invited to an introductory session to take place online in early November.
If you have any questions, or would like to have an informal chat about the Network, please email the Adaptation Scotland programme team at Verture.
Scotland’s Climate Week kicks off today, Monday 23rd September. This annual event is a celebration of the positive action people are taking across Scotland to lower our climate emissions, and increase our resilience to climate impacts.
Stories for Change
This year’s theme is “Stories for Change” which aims to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations to share their personal experiences and actions of what they’re doing to adapt to and combat climate change. Sharing stories is a powerful tool for connecting people and inspiring this necessary collective action. By sharing our journey and solutions on social media using #ScotClimateWeek, we can help others understand the impact of climate change and motivate them to take action.
If you’re feeling inspired by the #StoriesForChange being shared, we’ll be posting lots of ways you can help tackle climate change through the Adaptation Scotland programme’s activities and partners.
Get involved
Wondering how to get involved? The Scottish Government has provided free resources to help you get started. Visit the Net Zero Nation website to access the free toolkit.
Throught the week, the Adaptation Scotland programme is running a series of events, including:
- Training for business advisors at Scottish Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise
- Our bi-annual Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network event
- Sharing the new Highland Adapts Economic Assessment of Climate Change Impacts
- Launching our new business resilience tools and case studies
- And much more!
Members of the Network
The Adaptation Scotland Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN) Autumn meeting will take place on Wednesday 25th September at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute. This will be a hybrid event, with in-person and online joining options available for members – when you register please select the option most suitable for you.
On the agenda
- Updates from the Scottish Government about the forthcoming third Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3)
- Skills for developing the business case for adaptation
- Adaptation Capability Framework future development workshop
- Climate Adaptation and Health
- Accessing and using climate information with the Met Office’s new Local Authority Climate Information Service
Please note, this event is for PSCAN members only. To find out more about the Adaptation Scotland Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network, and how your organisation can join, read more here.
Lunch will be provided for those joining in person, please indicate any dietary requirements when registering your attendance.
Please register via Eventbrite for the event.
We want to maximise your ability to participate. Please let us know of any accessibility needs or assistance you may require. You can contact [email protected] to discuss any adjustments we can put in place.