Developing the role of greenspace in climate change mitigation and adaptation – a new research report published by greenspace scotland in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage – highlights the potential for greenspace to contribute to climate change action in urban Scotland.

Speaking on the launch of the report Julie Procter, Chief Executive of greenspace scotland said:

“Climate change is one of the major challenges facing Scottish towns and cities and the people who live in them. Across Scotland, climate change will generally mean that we have warmer and wetter winters, hotter and drier summers, rising sea levels and more extreme weather.
Scottish Government policy clearly outlines the need for action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases through changes in technology and in lifestyles. It also highlights the need, regardless of how effective we are in reducing emissions, to take action to cope with
the consequences of the climate change which is already happening.”

So what does greenspace offer by way of a solution? Deryck Irving, Partnership and Enabling Manager at greenspace scotland, commented:

“Our report identifies a wide range of options for greenspace to contribute to action on climate change. Well designed, well located and well managed greenspace can help to reduce the rate and severity of future climate change and increase the resilience of our towns and cities to the climate change which is already happening. At the same time, these greenspaces will make towns and cities more attractive and pleasant places to live and work – it is a win-win scenario!”

Drawing on climate change research, international case studies and the experience of practitioners from across Scotland, the report looks at the potential role for different types of greenspace in both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The report also highlights the challenges and barriers to developing ‘climate change greenspaces’. Often these challenges relate to a lack of knowledge and understanding both of climate change and of the potential for greenspace – something which the report seeks to address. It suggests priority actions that are required if greenspace is to become a positive contributor to climate change action in Scotland.

Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said:

“Scotland’s climate change targets are world leading and help Scotland to be increasingly recognised as an attractive, environmentally-conscious place to live and work. Making the transition to a low carbon society and taking action to adapt to the changes that a changing climate will bring are often complementary. For example, ‘greening’ the urban environment goes towards reducing emissions and helps provide sustainable drainage and flood prevention. It is important that we continue to develop knowledge and understanding to ensure that Scotland’s communities, natural environment and economy are resilient to the impacts of climate change while also reducing emissions of carbon.”

Chris Nevin, Greenspace & CSGN Manager at Scottish Natural Heritage commented:

“SNH are pleased to have funded this work. Climate change is a key priority for SNH and this report provides a comprehensive review of how greenspace can contribute to the climate change challenge. Crucially, it will help us develop advice and support action in our towns and cities. Making increased use of greenspaces such as our parks, gardens and trees will help us adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate change.’

The report is just the first stage of greenspace scotland’s climate change project. We will be working with partners to develop clearer examples of how climate change greenspaces function – including work on how we can incorporate elements of climate change greenspace into town centres, residential streets and urban parks.

To read more on the subject, visit http://www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/