Legislation and international agreements

Legislation is an important driver for adaptation. Both Scotland and the UK have climate change acts that set targets for tackling climate change and gives in particular the public sector a responsibility to consider climate change adaptation in the way they deliver their goods and services.

Use the links on the left to explore climate change legislation in Scotland and the UK.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments provide a scientific basis for governments at all levels to develop climate related policies, and they underlie negotiations at the UN Climate Conference – the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The latest international agreement at COP21 in Paris in December 2015 sets ambitious international targets to reduce climate change. It will be an important instrument in how countries work together to make the changes necessary as the global climate changes. For an overview of the agreement and the reactions to it read ClimateXChange's Special Report on the Paris Agreement, 12 December 2015