Consultation Questions
QUESTION 1
Do you think what we have outlined in paragraph 4.10 constitutes the correct
understanding of climate adaption?
Yes
No
In part
Don't know
Please provide any additional comments in the box below:
QUESTION 2
Do you think what we have outlined in paragraph 4.11 constitutes the correct
understanding of a well adapting Scotland?
Yes
No
In part
Don't know
Please provide any additional comments in the box below:
Scientists and engineers play a vital role in climate change prediction and modeling, and
developing ways to cope with the consequences of climate change. In order to establish a
“well adapting Scotland” the Government needs to ensure an adequate supply of people
with the right skills to understand climate change and to adapt to it.
QUESTION 3
Do you think we have identified the correct strategic principles for promoting a
sustainable approach to climate adaptation? (paragraph 5.6)
Yes
No
In part
Don't know
If not, do you think any of the existing strategic principles should be removed or
clarified?
There are likely to be a number of dilemmas where economic growth cannot be
undertaken in a sustainable manner. There should be an emphasis on all decisions being
taken with sustainability at the heart of them, with economic growth as a secondary aim.
Also, a definition of what is meant by “sustainable” would be useful.
If not, do you think any additional strategic principles should be added, such as the four
A's: Awareness + Avoidance + Alleviation + Assistance
QUESTION 4
Do you think we have identified the correct strategic priority actions for Government to
promote a sustainable approach to climate adaptation? (paragraph 5.7)
Yes
No
In part
Don't know
If not, do you think any of the existing strategic priority actions should be removed or
clarified?
Under “Reduce and manage uncertainty”, part of the action should be to ensure an
adequate supply of suitably trained people to carry out these actions.
If not, do you think any additional strategic priority actions should be added?
QUESTION 5
Do you think that these are the most pressing challenges for organisations responding to
critical weather events? (paragraph 6.4)
Yes
No
In part
Don't know
Please provide any additional comments in the box below.
QUESTION 6
What do you think are the most pressing challenges for organisations planning for critical
weather events? (paragraph 6.4)
There is still uncertainty surrounding how information on the impacts of regional climate
change could be gathered and used to inform the use of adaptation measures best suited
for that region. This is an important area in which physics can contribute through
improved regional scale climate forecasts (i.e. more accurate, and with better resolution
in time and space) resulting in the ability to differentiate between different levels of risk.
Also, there are a number of adaptation challenges which climate change will pose and
need to be addressed. These include:
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Technologies to implement and improve coastal and river-based flood defences;
Technologies to remove efficiently (contaminated ) water from flood hit towns
and cities;
Improving drainage systems to reduce localised flooding due to heavy rainfall;
Improving land use and building orientation for housing on susceptible sites (e.g.
flood plains along rivers or low-lying land);
Make housing (e.g. new build) more resistant to flood water damage;
Having more designated land (e.g. large parks) to increase water retention;
The implementation of energy efficient desalination plants;
A rapid increase in rainwater and greywater systems, in order to reduce the
demand for mains water supply;
Measures to strengthen the electricity grid and to replace (in some areas) the
overhead system with an underground one;
Measures to protect water and power supplies;
Strategic measures to increase the storage capacity for key supplies such as
natural gas.
QUESTION 7
Do you think we have identified the right role for the Scottish Government in supporting
climate adaptation in Scotland? (paragraph 6.8)
Yes
No
In part
Don't know
If not, what would you add to, remove from or clarify about this role?
In providing leadership and strategic direction, one of the key principles will be to plan
for the long term.
QUESTION 8
Which key audience groups/organisations/bodies do you think the Scottish Government
should be communicating with about climate adaptation? (paragraph 6.19)
It is extremely important that the key decision making organisations are kept fully
informed, in order to aid coordination. For example, it is crucial that council planning
departments who create planning regulations for drainage, grey water and fresh
water supply, are properly informed.