Government climate change adaptation measures must consider natural solutions
RSPB Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government's launch of the second stage of the consultation on Scotland's new Climate Change Adaptation Framework. Making sure that wildlife is helped to adapt will need to be a central plank of our overall strategy to deal with our changing climate, and one which can help the effort to minimise impacts.
Clifton Bain, RSPB Scotland’s Climate Change Policy Officer, said:
"Scotland's wildlife is already starting to feel the effects of climate change, and to help species cope it's vital that we invest in habitats to bring them into good repair. This not only gives wildlife the best chance of adapting to changes, but can benefit Scotland's economy too. In some cases, such as restoring peatland, it actually helps the battle against climate change by storing carbon in the ground, while natural flood prevention measures can mean new wildlife havens."
"We welcome Scottish Government plans for adaptation to be promoted through a Framework and new Climate change laws, but for this to succeed it must be backed up by sufficient funds."
"We also want to ensure that there is regular annual reporting to the Scottish Parliament on progress to ensure the adaptation framework does not become just another strategy gathering dust on the shelf."
Notes:
Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson is launching the consultation today at 1.15pm (for 1.30pm start) at the Scotch Whisky Experience - 354 Castlehill, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE. Clifton Bain will be attending and available for interview, on 07885 503 890.
Large scale habitat restoration and expansion is a key part of the solution to helping wildlife adapt to climate change. RSPB Scotland is contributing through its own conservation action and is working in partnership with other government and voluntary bodies in ambitious projects such as the restoration of the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands, the expansion of the Caledonian pinewood in Speyside and native woodland around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Species already at risk from climate change include golden plover and other wading birds on our moorlands and bogs, where warmer summers will reduce food supply for young birds; and migrating birds such as spotted flycatchers, which are already arriving too late for the best nesting sites. Ring ouzels – the mountain blackbird – are also struggling, with declines linked to warmer weather in late summer.By restoring our peatbogs where golden plover breed, we can hopefully help counter the damaging effect of warmer summers on their insect food supply, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the damaged bog and help provide natural buffers to flooding problems; a win-win situation for all.
For more information/interviews/images, please contact RSPB Scotland’s National Media Officer Davey Fitch on 0131 311 6500/07894 173 116, or Cliton Bain on 07885 503 890.