Climate change - adaptation programme: progress report 2021

Chapter 8: Research Outcomes

Expanding and improving the evidence base around climate change adaptation through research is vital to help support the implementation of adaptation policy and achieve the high-level outcomes set out in SCCAP2. Across the seven outcomes a number of commitments to undertake research projects were included, some of which build on already completed research. As the research programme develops and the climate change risk and resilience research landscape expands, new opportunities for research which were not included in the original programme but which contribute to the high-level SCCAP2 outcomes will be explored. This programme of work is enhancing our knowledge of climate risk and provide proposals for innovative ways in which Scotland can adapt to the changing climate.

This chapter identifies key areas of progress on the SCCAP2 research programme since its publication in September 2019.

The following pieces of research have been completed and published:

• In June 2020, ClimateXChange (CXC), as part of the delivery of Living with Flooding Action Plan (see Chapter 1), published a baseline study of property flood resilience (PFR) in Scotland. It provides a best estimate of the potential for PFR measures using SEPA flood mapping data and the uptake of the measures in 2019. The study found that an estimated 1,400-1,500 properties are currently protected by PFR across Scotland but that potentially around 81,000 properties may benefit from the uptake of some kind of PFR measure.

• In September 2020, CXC published a report exploring the vulnerability of Scottish soils to a changing climate. The report identified thirteen indicators with potential to measure soil vulnerability to climate change in all soil types. The report found that Scotland has a significant, world-leading soil knowledge base and a broad data resource portfolio but that there were gaps around the dependencies and interactions of the thirteen identified indicators.

• In January 2021, CXC published a report analysing, on the basis of three case studies, how providers of adult social care support at home in Scotland respond to extreme weather events. The report identified key findings about planning for extreme weather events, the resilience of staff and further learnings which could cut across "system stressor" events.

• In March 2021, CXC published a report considering the ambition for 20 minute neighbourhoods in Scotland and highlighting interventions that would support delivery of the concept, supported by findings from the baseline analysis. It found that communities across Scotland have the required services and infrastructure that would allow them to be 20 minute neighbourhoods. A clear plan which is people-centric and owned by local stakeholders is key. This research helps improve the evidence base around placemaking and place-based initiatives.

In terms of next steps on the SCCAP2 research programme, a second phase of the report exploring indicators of soil health vulnerability is currently underway. This phase will looks at filling some of the evidence gaps identified in the first report and look at the applicability of the indicators in a practical context. Furthermore, a report exploring indicators for measuring recovery from extreme events is also due to be published this year, having being delayed due to staffing pressures around the COVID-19 response.

The remaining commitments for future research projects highlighted in SCCAP2 will be progressed during the remainder of the five-year implementation period for the programme. In addition, new research priorities will continue to be identified and the findings arising from ongoing and completed projects will be disseminated and incorporated into adaptation policy where appropriate.