21/05/2019
Launch of Scotland Adapts: A Capability Framework for a Climate Ready Public Sector
Adaptation Scotland has launched ‘Scotland Adapts: A Capability Framework for a Climate Ready Public Sector’. This pioneering guidance on how to adapt to climate change is available online, along with a range of supporting resources, tools and training.
Scotland’s climate is already changing. Over the last few decades there has been a warming trend, shifting rainfall patterns, increasingly frequent severe weather and rising sea levels. The consequences have already been felt across the country: from damage to infrastructure, to the disruption of vital services and a shift in growing seasons. These climate trends are expected to continue and intensify, and future impacts will be more severe than what we have experienced so far. Action to adapt to a changing climate and prepare for these impacts needs to happen now to avoid costly, disruptive and sometimes irreparable consequences for our communities, natural environment and economy.
Scotland is already a world leader on climate action. The recent declaration of a Climate Emergency has paved the way for more urgent action to reduce emissions and shift towards a low carbon economy. But even with the announcement that Scotland is aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, climate impacts will still shape the world we live in over the coming decades.
Commenting on the new guidance Anna Beswick, Adaptation Scotland Programme Manager said, “Scotland Adapts: A Capability Framework for a Climate Ready Scotland draws on the collective knowledge and experience of Scotland’s public sector. It has been informed by crucial insights from local authorities, health boards, infrastructure providers, agencies and university estates and will help public sector organisations build resilience to climate impacts”.
Welcoming the new guidance Kate Dapré, Chair of the Sustainable Scotland Network said “The Sustainable Scotland Network warmly welcomes Adaptation Scotland’s new guidance. Public sector organisations have an important role to play in creating a climate ready Scotland; taking a pro-active approach to adapting to climate change can help address long-term challenges like reducing health inequalities, developing a sustainable economy and tackling poverty. The new guidance is an important resource which will help drive action”.
All public sector organisations need to take steps to adapt to climate change. EAUC Scotland Programme Manager Rebecca Petford commented that “The Adaptation Capability Framework provides a clear pathway for effective adaptation planning wherever an organisation’s starting point, and is accessible and engaging. We welcome the launch of this new Guidance to support universities, colleges and the wider public sector on their adaptation journeys, and look forward to seeing the resulting impact in our national climate resilience.”
The Framework has been developed on the principle that
successful adaptation requires more than data analysis and risk modelling.
Effective leadership, governance arrangements, inclusive planning and working
collaboratively beyond organisation and sectoral silos are all important
elements of successful adaptation.
Visit the Adaptation Scotland website to access the
guidance:
https://www.adaptationscotland.org.uk/how-adapt/your-sector/public-sector