The challenges of implementing adaptation actions in Scotland’s public sector

Abstract

This research examines the progress made by the public sector in Scotland from risk assessment to adaptation planning and implementation. We highlight some key challenges faced by the public sector in Scotland that are leading to a lack of progress in the adaptation space as noted in a recent UK Climate Change Committee report, “Is Scotland climate ready? – 2022 Report to Scottish Parliament”. This report highlighted the lack of analysis of the adaptation section of public bodies duties reports in Scotland and our research is the first in-depth analysis of this section at time of writing supplemented by interviews with a range of public sector bodies. The key research questions we consider are: “What tools, frameworks, data and knowledge are currently being used to conduct risk assessments for adaptation?”; “What kind of tools, frameworks, knowledge and data may be helpful for decision makers in this space?” and “What challenges and barriers exist for public sector bodies throughout their adaptation journeys?” By first setting out the key challenges currently facing the public sector in Scotland, we then present a range of potential solutions that could be implemented in Scotland to increase adaptation action. This study can help bridge the gap between climate science and decision makers by making it clearer what the requirements are for future tools, models and data to help accelerate adaptation action and how it is reported on and evaluated.