Funding to help regions adapt to climate change.
Projects aimed at protecting homes at risk of flooding and
tackling the impacts of extreme heat in towns and cities are some
of the initiatives benefitting from Scottish Government funding
to guard communities against the impacts of climate change.
A total of £550,000 is supporting local
authorities, health boards, community groups and
businesses to work together to address climate risks such
as increased flooding, coastal erosion,
extreme heat and water scarcity.
Projects include:
- improving flood resilience for families in
Glasgow's Drumchapel area - where 15 homes were evacuated during
a major flooding incident in 2021 – by supporting the
removal of drainage constraints that put vulnerable properties at
continued risk
- ensuring the voices of 1,000 people in the South East of
Scotland affected by climate change and extreme weather are
listened to and included in decisions
- introducing natural flood management measures such as leaky
dams, which help slow water flow during heavy rainfall, and
woodland planting in Allanton, North Lanarkshire, to protect
homes and improve local biodiversity
- undertaking research into how climate
change will financially impact key
Highland
economic sectors including whisky
distilleries, energy, salmon, and commercial forestry.
The funding reflects a key action
from Scotland's National Adaptation Plan and will
be provided through regional partnerships. It comes ahead of
a Climate Adaptation Leadership Summit in Edinburgh today
(Thursday 18 Dec).
Led by Climate Action Secretary and
Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin, the summit will see public
sector leaders agree how to accelerate action and
collaboration and build resilience to the damaging impacts
of climate change.
Ms Martin 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 upon
us.
“This year alone, we have witnessed the worst wildfires
in living memory in the Cairngorms, high levels of water
scarcity across the whole of Scotland, and 18 areas of Scotland
recording their highest ever temperatures in the summer. All of
these have had significant impacts on
industry, farming, wildlife, and our daily routines,
placing strain on the complex systems that sit behind simple
actions we take for granted like turning on the tap, food
shopping and travelling from A to B.
“This funding for Climate Ready Regions, highlights the
importance of investing in Scotland's future and working in
partnership - so that the places where we live and work are
resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“There will be a huge social and economic payoff for decades to
come if we get this right, by ensuring that Scotland keeps
running smoothly in the face of climate disruption.”
Glasgow City Council. convener for Climate, Councillor Angus
Millar said: “We're delighted to have worked with Verture and the
Climate Ready Regions project this year to accelerate action in
the Glasgow city region.
“This funding is helping us work closely with community groups,
businesses and others to build practical solutions that will make
a real difference on the ground. Building resilience to flooding
and other climate risks is essential for protecting our
communities and local economy.”
Background
Climate Ready Regions -
Adaptation Scotland
