Scotland's Wildlife – an assessment of biodiversity in 20

4 Climate change
The UK Climate Projections 2009 indicate that by the 2080s Scotland will be warmer by
several degrees, especially in summer. It is likely there will be less snow, wetter winters
and drier summers. The length of the growing season may increase by 20 – 80 days.
Oceans are becoming acidified by increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide.
Seasonal weather patterns appear to be becoming disrupted. Rising temperatures, drier
summers, wetter winters, increased flooding, changes in the marine ecosystem and
sea-level rise will affect biodiversity, life and livelihood in Scotland.
The UK Climate Change Act 2008 and the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 have
committed the respective Governments to achieving ambitious targets to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050. Scotland’s climate change
legislation also set an interim target of at least 42% reduction by 2020. Action globally to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions may moderate the severest threats, but it will be also
necessary to find ways of adapting to the now inevitable effects of climate change.
Under the legislation is a duty on public bodies in Scotland to help deliver the targets
and contribute to adaptation.
Energy generation on land and at sea, settlement design, land and flood management,
agricultural and forestry practices, grazing and cropping patterns, new crops and
biofuels, forest expansion, economic pressures and food supply are among the changes
anticipated or taking place. Changes to ecosystems are expected, arising from the
direct effects of climate change on habitats and species, the indirect consequences of
pests and diseases, and from associated land management adaptations. Geodiversity
and biodiversity are inter-linked. The way in which ecological and land forming
processes of the coasts, tidal areas, rivers and hill slopes respond to weather events
and climate change depend on the physical and biological characteristics of the
dynamic environment, and what has happened there previously.
4.1 People
Scotland is celebrated, by residents and visitors, for the abundance of opportunities it
offers for enjoying the outdoors. In 2007, 92% of visitors identified scenery and 72%
identified nature and wildlife as key to their Scottish holiday (N6 - Tourism Indicator).
A third of Scotland’s £4.2 billion income from tourism is based on outdoor recreation.
Opportunities from winter sports, including skiing and snow mountaineering, are likely to
be reduced; activities in spring and autumn may be extended. Networks of open space
in built-up areas, including woodlands, wildlife habitat, parks and other natural areas
can moderate climate change impacts: tree planting for shade; ponds and wetlands to
reduce flood risk; greenspace networks for active travel, recreation, landscape
enhancement and biodiversity.
19