APPENDIX 1 Consultation on Climate Change Adaptation Framework
Summary of the consultation questions 1. Do you think what we have outlined in paragraph 4.10 constitutes the correct understanding of climate adaptation? Please provide any additional comment. (paragraph 4.10) This paragraph should outline the Scottish Government’s definition of climate adaptation. However, due to there being a number of definitions from different sources and the evolution of definitions over time, it does not provide a clear explanation of what the Scottish Government means by this term. It is important to highlight the impacts adaptation can have on environmental factors as well as the economic, and social impacts. 2. Do you think what we have outlined in paragraph 4.11 constitutes the correct understanding of a well-adapting Scotland? Please provide any additional comment. (paragraph 4.11) This certainly provides a starting point for this definition, however, it does not indicate how a well-adapting Scotland will be achieved. There is discussion of the inclusion of all parts of society but it then goes on to say that Local Authorities and Government are the main co-ordinating bodies among key decision makers. It has to be taken into account that adaptation measures may initially incur high costs, and this will potentially present problems for businesses, individuals and householders, the issue of funding change needs to be addressed as a part of the planning stage. In addition to this, there should be reference to the Precautionary Principle to assess events that are considered unlikely to happen but in the event they did occur the effects would be extremely serious. This would be particularly relevant to coastal areas where housing, amenities or infrastructure are at risk due to rising sea levels. This should incorporate long term planning to assess who would bear the costs where there is extensive loss to private property. 3. Do you think we have identified the correct strategic principles for promoting a sustainable approach to climate adaptation? If not, do you think any of the existing strategic principles should be removed or clarified? If not, do you think any additional strategic principles should be added, such as the four As: Awareness + Avoidance + Alleviation + Assistance? (paragraph 5.6) The principles outlined need to be further developed to make this a more comprehensive list. In point one regarding …’resilience.’ The balance of actions to fulfil both economic growth and sustainable development will need to be carefully managed.
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Point two regarding ‘…new information.’ This should be evidence based and factual information as various sources of new information on this subject are likely to emerge almost continually. The information needs to be used in a timely and constructive manner. Point four regarding ‘…decision making.’ There needs to be the incorporation of individuals and private business. To make changes towards adaptation measures will need to include all members of our society. There needs to be an identification of how this will occur i.e. will this be through legislative change or a working together with all sectors to identify suitable measures for all who will be involved. There is need for a huge change in mindset on this and it will occur more easily if there is input and ownership from all sectors. The four A’s should be further integrated into the strategic principles. The issue of finance needs to be addressed, the Government needs to give clear guidance on the costs of action or the potential costs of inaction. 4. Do you think we have identified the correct strategic priority actions for Government to promote a sustainable approach to climate adaptation? If not, do you think any of the existing strategic priority actions should be removed or clarified? If not, do you think any additional strategic priority actions should be added? (paragraph 5.7) While this document is not intended to set out prescriptive methods to address adaptation, there are a number of issues which remain complex to resolve. This is especially true of the economic growth vs. a healthy environment issue. There is talk of engagement with all sectors of the community, however, there is no real indication of how this will happen. These issues are key to how this framework will work and it is therefore important to work out this detail early. In terms of Education the work outlined in schools is mostly ongoing and the aspirations in this sector should be higher, it should outline the aims of the future rather than focus on the current situation. 5. Do you think these are the most pressing challenges for organisations responding to critical weather events? Please provide any additional comment. (paragraph 6.4) This list as it stands is left open to interpretation; it would be important to add definition to this. Other key challenges would include the ability to respond with any necessary equipment required however, this could be covered in the last point. Ensuring that both public and staff have the correct information in a timely manner would also be crucial.
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Lessons learned from previous events should form part of the ongoing planning process in responding to these events. Identification of critical infrastructure within the area would also help in the event of an incident, Areas that might require special protection could include electricity stations or sub stations, telephone services. There is a need for more emphasis to be placed on flood warning, including localised areas not covered by SEPA. 6. What do you think are the most pressing challenges for organisations planning for critical weather events? (paragraph 6.4) As far as possible to ensure the provision of accurate and timely information for the prediction of such events. To ensure that there is an emergency response plan in place and that all those with a part to play are fully aware of what is required from them. Where possible to carry out exercises to practise these plans. This should be a comprehensive plan to cover all aspects of such a response to an emergency. It would be essential that critical information is passed to those who need this to ensure swift response times. Different areas of Scotland are likely to be affected by different types of weather events. This should enable different regions to become expert in dealing with a particular weather event, in which case centres of excellence could be set up to deal with specific types of events. The management of how to deal with these events should be compared and best practice guides developed. As this is still a growing area of expertise, this is something that should be continually developed and assessed, particularly after events where the practices have been used. 7. Do you think we have identified the right role for the Scottish Government in supporting climate adaptation in Scotland? If not, what would you add to, remove from or clarify about this role? (paragraph 6.8) The role of the Scottish Government has to be strong and decisive, an exemplar by leadership that will achieve results. Currently the work in this area is largely aimed at encouraging change. However, if we are to meet the strict targets there will be a greater requirement for more detailed documents to be produced in order that organisations understand what is required of them. As stated, human and social capital are key to the capability of organisations to change and it is therefore necessary to invest in a universal programme to educate and inform. There is also a requirement for funding from the Scottish Government to enable both organisations and individuals to meet the costs to make necessary changes. The issue of funding could be addressed as a new burden in the same way that waste was dealt with via the Strategic Waste Fund.
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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 vital that the government focus on business and individuals, essentially covering the whole population. It is important that the messages that are promoted are appropriate to the target group: e.g. it would be essential to have a programme for changes that can be made in homes include retrofit and new builds; and a separate package for businesses to consider methods of working. The government should also work closely with public agencies and local authorities to ensure that the most effective use is made of public funding i.e. working together on projects where appropriate in order to avoid duplication of effort. In addition to the above responses there are a number of concerns which have been raised which do not ‘neatly fit into the above questions but, however, still need to be addressed. • The necessity for long term planning and what to do where assets / private property will be lost as a result of a policy decision not to defend (We are very unlikely to be able to afford to protect all properties). The need for a nationally consistent and appropriate approach to monitoring / data storage across Scotland especially for soft coastal features in vulnerable areas. The provision of support for projects which deal in practical adaptation to flooding, drought, water quality and farming practice at a local level. (Aberdeenshire has become involved in such a project called Aquarius/Rubens in conjunction with north European partners) The need to ensure existing floodplains are protected from development and that where possible steps be taken to increase flood storage in low lying areas. There is also the likelihood of more water shortages especially for agriculture purposes and there may be opportunities for some flood storage areas to be designed to have a dual function with water supply in times of drought. It may be necessary to undertake an exercise, similar to that undertaken in England, to ascertain the likely costs of adaptation to inland and coastal flooding and erosion in terms of both defences and property/assets lost, to help inform the Government on long term budget commitments.
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