Workshop 1

Aims

• Introduction to the project;

• Overview of climate change implications for the region;

• Information exchange to build relationships and identify shared interests.

 

Setting the scene(presentation): An introduction to the project and climate change adaptation in Scotland.

Who is doing what? (interactive): An opportunity for delegates to share information about the work they are doing to assess vulnerability/adapt to climate change (Research, Awareness Raising (Internal or External), Planning and Policy Development and Implementation(. (A spreadsheet with this information was made available on the website)

An overview of the area (presentation): Economic characteristics of the area, transport networks and the natural environment. Some vulnerabilities to recent weather events.

Vulnerability to climate change (interactive): Using participants’ knowledge to map: (1) infrastructure, assets and areas of interest (buildings, field sites, tourist hot spots, vulnerable communities, sites of scientific interest, etc.); (2) impacts of recent weather events (typically those during the last ten years). (A digital map based on this activity was placed on the website).

Climate Change in the Central Highlands / A9 Corridor (presentation). An overview of climate information – both recent trends and future projections. An introduction to UK Climate Projections (UKCP09), and implications for climate of the region.

Impacts and consequences of climate change (interactive). Using participants’ knowledge to map the likely impacts and consequences of future climate change for four themes: Business & Tourism, Infrastructure, Agriculture & Natural Environment, Land Use, Planning & Communities. Firstly in thematic groups, then noting the consequences of impacts in other themes on their own theme.

Tools (Presentation):  Introduction to the range of tools and resources available to help organisations assess their vulnerability to climate change, identify climate risks and put in place an adaptation strategy.

Next steps (presentation): Outline of ground to be covered in Workshops 2 and 3;

Feedback (written questionnaire) Value of this workshop; who do you want to work with to explore climate vulnerabilities; ideas and priorities.