Climate change adaptation

Scotland is already feeling the effects of climate change. We are seeing changes such as warmer temperatures, wetter winters, and more extreme weather. These trends are expected to continue and become stronger over the next century.

While reducing emissions remains a priority, we are also taking action to adapt to climate change by preparing for its impacts and building resilience across Aberdeenshire.

National adaptation plan

The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SCCAP3) sets out how Scotland will respond to the impacts of climate change.

We have a legal duty to support this plan and take action to protect communities, services and infrastructure. Our local approach to adaptation shows how we are putting the national plan into practice in Aberdeenshire.

How we are adapting locally

We are taking a range of actions to help Aberdeenshire adapt to climate change. The following sections summarise our approach.

You can find the full details in our Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2025 - 2030 (PDF 2MB), which explains what we are doing now and what we plan to deliver in the future. This work supports the route map to 2030 and beyond.

Assessing climate risks

We assess how extreme weather already affects Aberdeenshire by analysing past events such as storms, flooding, heatwaves and snow. This includes completing Local Climate Impact Profiles (LCLIP) to understand these risks.

To manage the risks, we have a climate change risks register (PDF 107KB) to help us prioritise action and plan practical responses.

We also engage internally within the council to understand how our services are affected. This information feeds directly into the LCLIPs and risk register.

Embedding adaptation into decision-making

Preparing for climate impacts is built into council decision-making through Integrated Impact Assessments. This makes sure that new policies, projects and service changes consider risks and resilience from the start.

Strengthening services and infrastructure

We are working to make buildings, infrastructure and essential services more resilient to extreme weather. This helps services continue or recover quickly during disruption caused by storms, flooding or heat.

Working with communities and partners

We work with communities and partner organisations through the Climate Ready Aberdeenshire network to share knowledge, coordinate action and support local resilience.

Monitoring progress

Progress on adaptation is monitored through regular reporting, including updates to the Sustainability Committee.