Mitigating the effects of climate change

Although climate change is inevitable, the worst extremes of change can be reduced by concerted action. Action in Scotland is needed to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon and greenhouse gas sinks. Such actions will not only mitigate climate change but can, if done correctly, also improve our nature and landscapes. Understanding carbon resilience, and how we can manage the land to retain carbon in vegetation, soil and seabed sediments is essential if we want to mitigate effects of climate change.

Habitat management

We can manage many of our important habitats better, so that they not only support a diverse range of species but also soak up greenhouse gases. Scotland's peatlands can act as either a vast source or sink of greenhouse gases, depending on how we manage them. Exactly how much carbon is stored in our peat is difficult to calculate, but one estimate is that it is the equivalent of around 170 years of Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions, at current rates. It therefore makes sense to keep as much of this carbon in the ground as possible.  It is also important that our peatlands are protected and, wherever possible we continue to restore or create wetlands that will store greenhouse gases into the future. Woodlands also act as important carbon sinks, and the Scottish Government aims to substantially increase the woodland cover up to 25% of Scotland. It will be important, however, to ensure this is done without releasing potential greenhouse gases from the soils in the process.

Land management

Soils are an often overlooked part of Scotland's nature and landscapes, which provide the basis to many habitats and are an important carbon sink that needs to be protected.  Further action is also needed in other important areas of land use management that can contribute to controlling greenhouses gas emissions.

One of the most obvious effects of climate change on society will be the projected increased risk of flooding. Looking into the future it will be important when addressing flood management that we use a range of imaginative techniques. These could include creating and restoring wetlands to slow the flow of flood waters, and identifying space around rivers and the coast for the water to flood.

The way that our towns and cities are planned can make an important contribution to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, inclusion of integrated walking and cycling routes and greenspace into urban plans will be important actions that will also provide opportunities for wildlife to survive in our towns and cities.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy generation has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside measures to reduce demand and increase energy efficiency, we will encourage, where appropriate, the further development of renewable energy in Scotland as an important means of mitigating the effects of climate change.