This Study was commissioned to improve the understanding of the implications of climate change in Scotland. The research will also inform the policy response to the impacts of climate change, and help to identify measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. Main Findings Climate change will have direct and indirect impacts in Scotland. Over the next century, it is likely that Scotland will become warmer, sea levels will rise, rainfall and severe gales will increase, and there will be an increased risk of flooding. There will be less snow lie during winter, and marine and freshwater fisheries may be affected by changing ocean circulation.
Climate change impacts present an important business risk to the transport sector.
Increased risk of flooding, storms and sea level rise will have serious detrimental impacts on land transport and marine operations. The provision of services across Scotland could also be affected. The changing climate will have an adverse effect on some business and domestic dwellings. In relation to public health, the secondary effects of climate change may result in increased air pollution and a higher incidence of respiratory diseases associated with damp. The options for reducing emissions from the energy supply sector depend on the changing mix of fuel used in generation, regulation of emissions from and efficiencies of power stations, and further development of energy services for customers.