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Launching the next phase in the Climate Change Adaptation Framework consultation, Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said Scotland must take innovative action to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Mr Stevenson said:
"Scotland's climate is changing. While urgent action to reduce emissions is vital, so is action to reduce Scotland's vulnerability to the impact of our already changing climate. Some degree of climate change is unavoidable, as the impacts over the next 30 to 40 years have been determined by our past and present emissions.

"Therefore, alongside cutting emissions, Scotland needs to find ways to adapt to a new and challenging climate. By planning and preparing for change now, Scotland will be better placed to take advantage of any opportunities and build its resilience to any potential negative consequences change brings.

"I want the Scottish Government to do all it can to foster innovative adaptation and the Climate Change Adaptation Framework will create the right conditions to release our innovative spirit. It will help decision takers make the right choices for the future."

This is the second stage of the consultation process and the framework is due to be published at the end of 2009.  According to the consultation, climate projections for Scotland (with a future of medium-high global emissions) suggest that annual temperatures may rise by up to 3.5ºC and 2.5ºC in winter by 2080 leading to druer summers.  Snowfall is likely to decrease by up to 90% making snowless winters normal for much of Scotland.