Climate change is shaping all aspects of life in the Highlands. Climate change resilience (the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous weather events and changing climate trends) must be embedded across all organisations, businesses, and groups. But embedding climate change resilience can be daunting and challenging when you are already managing significant competing pressures on your time and resources. Additionally, sometimes the barrier to climate change resilience is not a lack of interest but a lack of confidence. That is why Highland Adapts has committed this year to helping organisations, businesses, and groups strengthen climate change resilience in strategic documents (policies, plans, or strategies) through direct support.
This pilot project involves coordinated support from members of the Highland Adapts Advisory Panel to embed resilience in strategic documents. Support will be light touch but constructive, including practical recommendations and signposting to relevant resources. Recommendations are informed by the Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment (HCCROA).
This project is not accepting applications at this time.
Other Highland Adapts Projects
Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment (HCCROA)
Climate change risks in Highland are already significant and are expected to intensify over the coming decades. The HCCROA provides Highland’s first regional assessment of climate change risks and opportunities from the present day to the 2080s. It covers 50 risks and opportunities across five themes: land, nature, and food; health and wellbeing; community and economy; built environment; and infrastructure. The executive summary is available in English and Gaelic.
Highland Climate Change Economic Impact Assessment
Climate change will have potentially significant negative impacts on the Highland region equivalent to around -1.5% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) a year by the 2050s, rising to up to -3.3% a year by the 2080s. Our economic assessment provides the first Highland-specific regional economic analysis for climate change impacts. It also includes three sector reports: forestry and timber, energy, and food and drink.
Circular Economy Practices for Climate-Resilient Supply Chains
The Highland food and drink sector is on the frontline of climate change, facing increasing risks from extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and shifting market dynamics. This report focuses on the role circular economy practices (like retaining resource value and shortening supply chains) can play in strengthening climate resilience across the sector. The report identifies key barriers, local case studies, and opportunities for systemic change.
Highland Weather & Climate Story Map
Across the region, we are already feeling the effects of the changing climate on our weather, our landscapes, and our communities. The Highland Weather & Climate Story Map collects your first-hand experiences of weather and climate impacts on the Highland region. These stories will sit alongside other data and evidence, helping to paint a fuller picture of climate impacts and changes in Highland.
Highland Charter for Climate, Nature, and Health
The Highland Charter for Climate, Nature, and Health is a pledge to put climate, nature, and the benefits of green and blue health at the centre of decision-making and action, so that the natural environment and people have improved health, wellbeing, and resilience. The aim of the charter is to raise awareness of climate change, to build momentum across the region, and to celebrate the work that individuals, communities, organisations, and businesses are doing in Highland.