Identifying climate change adaptation research needs

In its independent assessment of the first Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme (SCCAP), the Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Climate Change Committee (ASC) described the programme as:

‘…a significant first step to bring together existing policies and activities into a more coherent programme. Moving forward, it could be improved in terms of its coverage, governance and impact.’

With this in mind ClimateXChange has prepared the following papers to frame discussions with Scottish Government on priorities for the CXC adaptation research resource:

• Three climate change adaptation research issues papers based on the issues identified in the independent assessment and the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017, literature searches, and stakeholder engagement. The three papers cover the themes in the SCCAP – Natural Environment, Buildings and Infrastructure Networks, and Society, and provide a long-list of possible research to support the development of the second SCCAP due in 2019. Though framed with a view to fit the policy process leading to the second SCCAP, many of the proposed projects are not achievable in the timescale. Some projects would also benefit from the climate information that will be published with the UKCP18.
• A paper looking at monitoring and evaluation in relation to adaptation outcomes at local and national level. This takes in reporting relating to the Climate Change (Scotland) Act from local authorities, Scottish Government and the Committee on Climate Change. Recommendations are also based on international best practice on climate change adaptation M&E.

This summary paper draws together the research that could be delivered through the CXC resource, and through coordinating and initiating research delivered elsewhere. We focus on the evidence gaps where research would help develop indicators (connected to recommendations on monitoring and evaluation), scoping studies, and options for research to develop a systems approach to adaptation policy.

Recent experience has focused minds on flooding but we are conscious of the risk relating to all forms of extreme weather events, and recognise the importance of understanding potential impacts from e.g. drought or storm force winds as specifications are refined.