The important issues are impacts of temperature, rainfall and wind upon buildings. Indirectly, working conditions could be affected, resulting in demand for more air conditioning. Climate change may also change structures of market demand for food and drink. Many respondents in the study recommended that individual businesses should explore available climate scenario information and take appropriate steps to manage their response. The management of Scotland's natural resources is the sector most affected by climate change issues.
Land use plays an essential role in greenhouse gas emissions from the natural environment.
Changed agricultural practices, such as increasing Set Aside land or further afforestation, are relatively more important for greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland than in the UK as a whole. In the future more diverse and valuable crops may be grown as a result of climate change. In relation to the fishing industry, the marine fisheries of the North Sea and North Atlantic, and the and freshwater salmon and sea-trout fisheries of Scotland's rivers may be affected. There is compelling evidence that recent declines in both migratory salmon and some marine species may be linked to fundamental changes in ocean circulation around Scotland. Policy Implications Climate Change has policy implications for national and local Government, and this research will support the work of local and national Government in planning ahead to deal with the impacts of climate change, and the possible introduction of mitigation measures in Scotland.