Scotland, climate change and new weather extremes: From flooding to families, what’s the plan?

Tuesday 29th April 2025

Scotland is at a critical juncture in facing up to the challenges posed by climate change. Already we are more frequently experiencing the kind of extreme weather events which used to be considered exceptional. The effects are tangible and real; severe storms, flooding, power losses, transport disruption, rising insurance costs, disrupted services and even fatalities. What does Scotland need to do now to mitigate the damage that future climate-driven weather extremes will otherwise bring to people, communities, homes and businesses?

Storms and other extreme and previously unusual weather events are going to increase in frequency. The expectation is that we will face more and more of these and that they will be more and more damaging. Scotland's geographical location means, for example, that when these events occur they will bring very heavy volumes of water to places not currently equipped with the infrastructure to dispose quickly and safely of that extreme rainfall and consequential flooding. The reality and impact of extreme storm winds speaks for itself in recent occurrences. Other forms of weather extremes are also expected as the consequences of climate change continue to develop.

The Scottish Government's National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 outlines a strategy to enhance the nation's resilience against climate-related impacts. In particular it proposes four key domestic interventions. These are:

• Integrating nature-based solutions to address climate challenges
• Empowering local communities to participate actively in locally tailored adaptation efforts
• Enhancing the resilience of essential public services and infrastructure to climate-related disruption
• Supporting economic sectors in adapting to climate impacts, promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding economic stability

How can these objectives realistically be delivered and at what pace? How will they overcome inevitable funding, organisational and sectoral hurdles? Are we acting with sufficient urgency to protect our future from climate related damage?

This conference will address the strategic context, core challenges, and practical steps necessary for effective adaptation. It will bring together policymakers, public and industry leaders, and community representatives, to discuss how we deliver the necessary adaptation to protect our country amid the financial, policy, and delivery constraints currently affecting all services and sectors. Delegates will gain insights into the roles of various agencies and the importance of integrated efforts to safeguard Scotland's environment, economy, and communities for future generations.

The conference examines these challenges in three sessions:

• Strategic context for Scotland, climate change and weather extremes
• Core challenges facing Scotland
• Taking practical steps forward

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Topics to be discussed

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• The strategic context for Scotland, climate change and weather extremes
• Climate change, extreme weather and risk – understanding what we are facing
• Aligning national, local and community adaptation efforts
• Core challenges facing Scotland
• Infrastructure resilience – preparing for extreme weather events
• Financing climate adaptation – opportunities and challenges
• Taking practical steps forward
• Community-led adaptation – can communities help themselves?
• Measuring, monitoring and innovating

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Who should attend

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This conference will be relevant for anyone dealing with climate change and its impact in Scotland. This includes those working in analysis and impact of climate change and adaptation to its weather extremes and their consequences:

• Policymakers and government officials involved in climate strategy
• Public sector leaders and local government representatives
• Environmental and sustainability professionals
• Infrastructure and urban planning experts
• Academics and researchers in climate science and adaptation
• Community organisations and NGOs focused on environmental resilience
• Private sector stakeholders in industries affected by climate change
• Financial institutions and investors interested in sustainable development

Speakers