"Unchecked climate change will have serious direct consequences not just for Scotland's environment, including its biodiversity, but for our economy and our people."
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment
June 2007
Scotland is already feeling the effects of climate change.
Winter storms have doubled in frequency in the UK over the last 50 years. Recently temperatures in Scotland have risen and rainfall has increased dramatically in the winter months.
The UK Climate Impacts Programme scenarios forecast that Scotland in 2080's will be, on average, 3.5 degrees celsius warmer in the summer and 2.5 degrees celsius warmer in the winter. In the future Scotland is expected to have more extreme weather with warmer, wetter winters, up to 90 per cent less snowfall, sea levels rises of up to 600mm threatening coastal areas and an increased risk of flooding.