Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: monitoring and evaluation framework

The indicator should relate to key elements of climate adaptation, including vulnerability, risk, exposure and adaptive capacity

Minimal to no relevance to key climate adaptation elements

Some relevance to key climate adaptation elements

Clear relevance to key climate adaptation elements

The indicator should be representative as possible of the key characteristics of the objective area within the adaptation plan that it fits under

Indicator only represents a small element of the objective area

Indicator somewhat represents the key characteristics of the objective area

Indicator represents well the key characteristics of the objective area

Data for the indicator is readily available and accessible for use by wide range of stakeholders

No data available or heavily restricted access to necessary data

Data exists but requires resources and expertise to fully access

Data fully and freely available

The indicator should be sensitive enough to detect changes over time, particularly in relation to the lifespan of the adaptation plan

Changes in indicator not detectable over the required time-period

Indicator data is somewhat sensitive enough to detect changes over the required time-period

Indicator data is sensitive enough to detect changes over the required time-period

The indicator should be easily understandable by a wide range of stakeholders, including non-experts, to ensure effective communication

Technical expertise required to fully understand indicator

Some technical expertise required but broadly understandable to non-expert audiences

Indicator is clearly understandable to a wide audience

Indicator should be cost-effective to use and have low resource requirements for data collection and analysis

Prohibitively expensive and/or impractical to use indicator data and/or barriers which cannot be worked through

Some expenses and resources required to use indicator data and/or other barriers to access which would need to be worked through

Cost-effective and low-resource to use indicator data

This indicator shows the accessible and non-accessible greenspaces (woodland open semi-natural areas, inland water, beach or foreshore, manmade surface, multi-surface) in urban areas in Scotland.

Ordnance Survey

Maintaining/increasing over time

%

Indicator limited by pace of change over time. While the indicator covers most public and private greenspaces it does not cover the tree canopy over hard surfacing or green roofs, which are also relevant in terms of adaptation.

High

Directly relevant to adaptation. Green-blue land cover in urban areas reflects the extent of natural spaces in cities that provide crucial ecosystem services. It is relevant for climate adaptation as it captures how well cities are prepared to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, making urban environments more sustainable and liveable. Urban greenspace contributes to temperature regulation, biodiversity and wellbeing and water flow and run-off regulation.

Moderate

Representative of key aspects of objective. If nature based solutions are increasingly implemented there should be greater protection of, and creation of additional, urban greenspace. Covers public and private greenspaces, including woodland, open semi-natural, inland water, beach or foreshore, and manmade surface. It also distinguishes the different functions of greenspaces, such as public park or garden, school grounds, private garden, allotments, playing fields, etc. However, it does not cover the tree canopy over hard surfacing or green roofs, which are also relevant in terms of adaptation.

Moderate

Data available through Public Sector geospatial agreement (PGSA) but not freely available. The cost of the data could potentially act as a barrier to access for some.

Moderate

Data updated biannually in April and October, but likely slow to change over time so longer-term trend will be important for context.

High

This indicator on green-blue land cover in urban areas can be widely understood by a broad range of stakeholders in relation to the extent of natural spaces in cities associated with resilience.

Moderate

Indicator able to be requested through OS under Public Sector geospatial agreement (PSGA)

Proportion of adults living within a five-minute walking distances of their nearest green or blue space

Scottish Household Survey

Increasing over time

%

Data likely to be slow to change within SNAP3 period so longer term tracking of trend will be important.

Moderate

The indicator captures the distance to the nearest public or open space, but does not reflect the level of accessibility, the perception of safety people have toward the green and blue spaces nor the frequency of access.

High

Relates to objective as if nature based solutions are increasingly implemented there should be greater protection of existing, and creation of additional, green and blue spaces.

The figures for this indicator come from the Scottish Household Survey (SHS). It captures a representative sample of adults in Scotland.

High

SHS data publicly available

High

Annual updates available

High

Benefits of proximity to green and blue spaces to climate adaptation widely evidenced and understood.

High

Statistical data for this indicator is already being collected and publicly accessible, making it practical to monitor as an indicator.

Number of hectares of newly protected land and marine features across Scotland.

NatureScot

Annual increase maintained over time

Number of hectares

Monitoring of protected areas is planned to shift towards site rather than feature-scale monitoring. This is expected to improve ability to capture larger-scale pressures and threats relevant to climate adaptation.

High

Relevant to climate adaptation as better protected land and marine area will be more resilient to climate change impacts.

Moderate

Captures a key measure of action being taken to protect natural sites, but does not capture every land and marine area in Scotland where other protection measures not covered through this data source may be being put in place.

Moderate

Frequency of data updates to be decided.

High

If actions are being taken to protect natural sites captured in indicator changes should be detected over indicator timescale.

Moderate

Not all actions taken to protect natural sites able to be captured in indicator so accompanying narrative will be important to ensure understanding.

Moderate

Data and indicator updates available via NatureScot.

Number of hectares of protected features in favourable condition as assessed by NatureScot's Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) programme.

This indicator shows the efforts to improve the condition of natural features in protected sites as they will ensure terrestrial habitats are in good ecological health in Scotland. This indicator relates to the quality of natural habitats.

NatureScot

Increasing over time

%

For the purposes of the Official Statistic, 'favourable condition' includes natural features that are assessed through SCM as being in favourable or unfavourable recovering condition. It also includes previously unfavourable natural features where necessary management measures have been put in place since the last SCM assessment, so that in NatureScot's expert judgment the natural feature will in due course reach favourable condition.

The indicator does not include offshore marine sites and features in Scotland beyond 12 nautical miles, and primarily focuses on protected sites and not all natural sites, which may limit its representativeness of the broader ecological health and connectivity. The indicator only captures a sample of designated natural features each year.

Monitoring of protected areas is planned to shift towards site rather than feature-scale monitoring. This is expected to improve ability to capture larger-scale pressures and threats relevant to climate adaptation.

High

Landscapes which are protected and in better condition will provide greater resilience to climate change impacts. This indicator is relevant for climate adaptation as it directly relates to the resilience of ecosystems and their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Moderate

Provides a measure of the effectiveness of nature protection measures in protecting landscapes so is directly relevant to objectives.

However, only captures a sample of designated natural features each year. These are dynamic and reflects new condition assessments being completed as well as the implementation and cessation of remedial management activities. The indicator also does not include offshore marine sites and features in Scotland beyond 12 nautical miles, and primarily focuses on protected sites and not all natural sites, which may limit its representativeness of the broader ecological health and connectivity.

High

Publicly available via NatureScot. The Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) program is a rolling monitoring effort that aims to assess the condition of a sample of designated natural features each year. Detailed data per type of habitat is available on the NatureScot website, ensuring that data is current and reliable.

Moderate

Annual updates which can demonstrate ongoing change. However, may not reflect notable changes within shorter periods so it will be important to consider the overall longer-term trend when interpreting data presented.

High

This indicator on condition of protected sites can be widely understood by a broad range of stakeholders in relation to improved ecological health and associated resilience.

High

Data updates publicly available and updates available through NatureScot.

Indicator measures the number of Local Development Plans adopted by local authorities since National Planning Framework 4 publication in 2023

Scottish Government

Increasing over time

Number of Plans

Local Development Plans only represent one mechanism for improving development planning. Indicator cannot measure the effectiveness of any actions resulting from the Plan. In the longer term it will be helpful if impact of Local Development Plans can be better monitored.

High

Local Development Plans represent a key mechanism for place-based development planning.

Moderate

Local Development Plans only represent one mechanism for improving development planning and other mechanisms may not be captured through this single indicator.

High

Local Development Plans are published by Local Authorities and publicly available.

High

Within the lifetime of SNAP3 all local authorities should have a new LDP in place so change will be able to be tracked across the Plan period.

Moderate

Some understanding of the National Planning Framework and Local Development Plan process required to understand indicator.

High

Data available through Scottish Government to allow indicator to be updated.

Number of local authorities reporting implementation of nature networks

Scottish Government

Increasing over time

%

Data is based on self-reported local authority data without a robust measurement methodology. Cannot say anything about the quality or condition of nature networks in place. This is an early proxy indicator; through the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy a monitoring and evaluation strategy will be developed which will support improved data in this space.

High

Nature Networks are an important mechanism for restoring and protecting nature as well as providing benefits to wildlife and local people.

Moderate

Nature Networks are a key element of this objective however the representativeness of this indicator is limited by the robustness of methodology in place. It only represents whether or not a nature network is in place but cannot describe what it looks like or its condition so only provides a partial picture at this point.

Moderate

Data collected by Scottish Government from Local Authorities so not publicly available.

Moderate

May not show high levels of change on an annual basis and availability of data to demonstrate change dependent on Scottish Government collation of data.

High

Provides a simple measure of Nature Networks across Scotland.

High

Indicator updates available in Scottish Government when collected.

Percentage change in terrestrial species abundance since 1994

NatureScot

Maintaining or increasing over 5 year Plan period

%

Data can only represent a sample of the species present. Species abundance linked to other factors outside of climate change risks and resilience. But data generated by well-established national monitoring schemes.

Moderate

More resilient landscapes will support increased species abundance. But also linked to other factors outside of climate change risks and resilience.

High

Higher species abundance will support improved nature networks but indicator doesn't provide a complete picture as only a sample of the species present are represented.

High

Publicly available and published online through NatureScot.

Moderate

Annual updates which reflect change available but need to look at longer term trend due to annual fluctuations in data.

Low

Technical/specialist expertise likely required to fully understand indicator. Strong explanatory narrative required in any reporting.

High

Data available through NatureScot.

Percentage change in species occupancy across Scotland since 1994

NatureScot

Increasing over time

%

Data can only represent a sample of the species present. Compared to abundance based data occupancy data uses more ad hoc presence-only biological records. Species occupancy linked other factors outside of climate change risks and resilience.

Moderate

More resilient landscapes will support increased species occupancy. But also linked to other factors outside of climate change risks and resilience.

Moderate

Occupancy trends are based on the number of sites where a species is present, reflecting the size of the range within which it is found. Improved nature networks which are more resilient to climate impacts should provide more sites for species to inhabit. However data limited as only represents a sample of the species present.

High

Publicly available and published online through NatureScot.

Moderate

Annual updates which reflect change available but need to look at longer term trend due to annual fluctuations in data. In addition, occupancy trends are based on the number of sites where a species is present, reflecting the size of the range within which it is found, and can be less sensitive to change than measures of abundance.

Low

Technical/specialist expertise likely required to fully understand indicator. Strong explanatory narrative required in any reporting.

High

Data available through NatureScot.

Percentage change in marine species abundance since 1994

NatureScot

Increasing over time

%

Only covers a sample of species, dominated by seabirds. The marine elements of this NatureScot indicator continue to be under development as new species data becomes available.

Moderate

More resilient landscapes will support increased species abundance. But also linked to other factors.

High

Provides a measure of species abundance which can reflect the resilience of marine ecosystems. However, only covers a sample of species.

High

Publicly available and published online through NatureScot.

High

Annual updates which reflect change available.

Low

Technical/specialist expertise likely required to fully understand indicator. Strong explanatory narrative required in any reporting due to some of the indicator limitations.

Moderate

Data for indicator updates available through NatureScot.

Hectares of restored peatland in Scotland per year

NatureScot Peatland Action

Increasing or maintaining over time

Hectares

Hectares of peatland restored per year is a proxy measure which doesn't directly represent a reduction in emissions or linked adaptation outcomes.

Work is ongoing to improve peatland restoration data in the future to fill these gaps.

Moderate

Relevant to a number of key adaptation elements, but as a proxy outcome measure.

Moderate

Represents key elements of the objective in supporting carbon stores and sinks. Peatlands act as natural carbon stores and therefore an increase in peatland stores will contribute to supporting Scotland's net zero pathway. They also support wider outcomes through preserving biodiversity, minimising flood risk and ensuring safe drinking water. However, these outcomes cannot be directly measured through hectares of peatland restored so indicator only acts as a proxy and doesn't represent all aspects of the objective.

High

Publicly available data.

High

Annual data updates available to track change over time.

Moderate

May require some technical understanding but broadly understandable to non-expert audiences with accompanying indicator narrative.

High

Data available for indicator updates through NatureScot.

Hectares of all woodland in Scotland created each year

Woodland Statistics (via Forest Research)

Increasing over time

%

All woodland created will not necessarily be compliant with UKFS version 5, which was reviewed and revised with stakeholders to ensure amongst other things that compliance with the standard increases the resilience of the forest resource. Scottish Forestry approvals will require compliance with the updated standard from 1st October 2024.

Moderate

Woodland creation acts as an important natural climate change mitigation measure and also has wider adaptation benefits in increasing biodiversity, providing flood protection and reducing soil erosion.

Moderate

Data cannot currently capture how resilient our woodlands are, however woodland creation approvals must demonstrate compliance with the UKFS. The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) requirements include the need to select trees that are suitable or very suitable for both the site and climate.

High

Data publicly available and published online via Forest Research.

High

Annual change able to be measured and reflects activity in previous year.

High

Woodland production understandable to a wide audience.

High

Data available for indicator updates through Forest Research.

Area of forest and woodland registered under the Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) in Hectares each year

Woodland Statistics (via Forest Research)

Increasing over time

Hectares

This indicator does not capture all woodland partly because of the additionality rules for acceptance onto the scheme. This measure is only relevant to newly planted woodlands that would not be planted without additional financial support from carbon finance.

Moderate

The WCC acts as an important natural climate change mitigation measure and also supports wider adaptation benefits in increasing biodiversity, providing flood protection and reducing soil erosion. But is not solely adaptation focused or the only route towards better managed/adapted forestry environments

Moderate

Data do not currently capture levels of woodland resilience. Woodland creation approvals must demonstrate compliance with the UKFS, and all WCC projects carry out risk assessments before finalising woodland design. Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) requirements include the need to select trees that are suitable or very suitable for both the site and climate.

High

Data publicly available and published online via Forest Research.

High

Annual change able to be measured and reflects activity in previous year.

High

Woodland area data understandable to a wide audience.

High

Data available for indicator updates through Forest Research.

The indicator will measure the geographical coverage of active collaborations on adaptation based on % of local authorities covered by partnerships. These collaborations will not have a set structure, but must actively address climate risks across organisational and/or local authority boundaries.

Adaptation Scotland

Increasing over time

%

This indicator is based on Adaptation Scotland's qualitative perceptions of collaboration so provides a subjective and qualitative view of collaboration coverage rather than a quantitative measure.

High

Relevant to adaptation outcome as regional adaptation collaborations play a key role at a community action level.

Moderate

Represents objective area. Captures range of collaborations and their coverage with a specific adaptation focus regionally. However, is based on qualitative assessment of collaboration so may not capture all activity within a region.

Moderate

Data available in Adaptation Scotland Programme annual reports. Adaptation Scotland may not have full knowledge of all types of new and existing partnerships.

Moderate

Data will be available annually but setting up of additional collaborations dependent on a range of factors including resource and capacity constraints so indicator may be slow to change from baseline.

Moderate

Will require some explanation in accompanying narrative in terms of definitions of collaboration and methodology for assessment.

Moderate

Data for indicator updates available through Adaptation Scotland but limited to collaborations which Adaptation Scotland are aware of.

Percentage of adults viewing climate change as an immediate and urgent problem

Scottish Household Survey

Increasing over time

%

Data feeding into indicator will not be updated frequently during SNAP3 period.

Moderate

Captures awareness of climate change issues, which may include climate risks and vulnerabilities. But could also capture other aspects of climate change more widely such as the need for mitigation actions.

Moderate

Uses a representative sample of Scottish adults, however as noted above not directly asking about climate change impacts.

High

Data publicly available and published through Scottish Household Survey.

Low

Biennial data updates with one year lag in (e.g. 2023 data published in 2024) so updates within the 5-year SNAP3 period will be limited.

High

Concern about climate change easily understandable to most groups.

High

Data updates available through Scottish Household Survey.

Tbc – will use data from Scottish Climate Survey currently in development

Intended to explore the proportion of people undertaking different types of actions to increase household or personal resilience to climate change impacts in Scotland (e.g. installing property flood resilience measures, signing up to weather warning alerts)

Tbc – will use data from Scottish Climate Survey currently in development

Increasing over time

%

Tbc - will use data from Scottish Climate Survey currently in development

Number of users accessing flood forecasting and warning services. Measured by:

• - Number of people using website services
• - Number of people registered for floodline

SEPA

Increasing over time

Number of people

Number of people using website services is measured by website hits but not currently possible to distinguish who is accessing these, and whether it is the same.

High

Use of early warning systems directly relates to people's preparedness for emergencies.

Moderate

Represents a key action for increasing community preparedness to weather related emergencies, but not a direct measure of action taken as does not measure how people respond to or use the information accessed. In addition, only measures website hits so not possible to understand who is accessing warnings and where they come from.

Moderate

Data not publicly available, held by SEPA so would need to be requested.

High

Regular updates available to track progress.

High

Flood warning systems widely understood and provides a simple and understandable measure of these.

High

Indicator updates available annually through SEPA.

Percentage of adults who agree that in an emergency, such as a flood, they would offer to help people in their neighbourhood who might not be able to cope well

Scottish Household Survey

Increasing over time

%

Captures intention rather than action taken to provide support during emergency. Although question directly asks about flooding as an example of an emergency it could capture risks more widely than just climate related risks.

Moderate

Provides an indication of intention to support community resilience at a community level so links to outcome, but not a measure of support actually provided. Could also capture emergencies more widely than just those resulting from climate risks.

Moderate

As above, captures intention rather than action taken and could be wider than just climate related risks (although question asks directly about flooding as an example). Captures responses through representative sample of Scottish Adult population in SHS.

High

Data publicly available and published with SHS results

High

Question asked annually in SHS

High

Provides a widely understandable measure of intention to take action / community support

High

Indicator updates available through SHS data

Indicator provides a measure of the proportion of householders with prior flood claims who can receive quotes from 5 or more insurers through Price Comparison websites FloodRe scheme^[5]

Flood RE

Maintaining over time

%

High

Relevant to adaptation as scheme aims to ensure homeowners with flood claims. This is a group who struggle to obtain insurance so provides a mechanism for them to be able to obtain other insurance.

Moderate

Provides a measure of a key policy initiative to improve insurance availability, but indicator only captures those applying for insurance through scheme quotes for insurance rather than purchased policies.

Moderate

Data available through request from FloodRE

High

Data updated quarterly so changes in indicator can be tracked in annual SNAP3 reporting.

High

Availability of insurance widely understood so provides an understandable indicator to a range of stakeholders.

High

Indicator updates available through FloodRE.

Percentage of dwellings in Scotland with urgent disrepair to critical elements

Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS)

Decreasing over time

%

Limitations in identifications of newer buildings in survey as ranges categorise new buildings as post 1982. Urgent disrepair covers a large range of issues, with some being more relevant to climate risks than others (e.g. could cover missing slates on roof covering and also wall finish related problems).

Moderate

Has some relevance to resilience in terms of buildings being better adapted to climate risks, but with limitations noted above.

Moderate

Relevant to some elements of objective – new buildings which are better designed or existing buildings which are better maintained should be less vulnerable to extreme weather events. But limitations as noted above with the data in terms of identification of new buildings and does not capture adaptation measures taken during maintenance or retrofit.

High

Publicly available and published with SHCS results.

Moderate

Data regularly captured through SHCS but may be slow to change over time.

Moderate

Understandable as a measure but the indicator limitations would require a more detailed understanding of the SHCS data set.

High

Indicator updates available through SHCS data.

Proportion of Historic Environment Scotland grant applications funded which include adaptation measures

Historic Environment Scotland

Increasing over time

%

Recipients of HES grants will only ever be a small proportion of historic environment assets in Scotland. However, there are limited sources for data on how Scotland's historic environment is preparing for a future climate, and the HES grants programme eligibility covers all Scottish historic environment assets (tangible or intangible) and so demonstrates the most potential to provide an overview of adaptation action across the historic environment.

Moderate

Links to the communities outcome in creating more climate-resilient places, but doesn't capture all historic environment assets (only those awarded grants).

Moderate

Has a direct link to the objective as it represents one of the key policy levers to support funding for Scotland's historic environment. Data provided will specifically capture adaptation rather than wider climate related activity such as that related to mitigation. As noted above though the data available only represents a small proportion of historic environment assets in Scotland.

Moderate

Aim is for data to be published online and publicly available during 2024-25. In interim period access will be limited and data available through request.

High

Regular monitoring data for HES grants collected and able to be reported on annually specifically in relation to adaptation.

Moderate

The protection of historic sites is widely understood, but some specific knowledge of adaptation in the historic environment assets and grants available may be required to fully understand the indicator.

High

Indicator updates available through Historic Environment Scotland.

Number of local authority Coastal Change Adaptation Plans published

Scottish Government

Increasing over time

Number

This indicator only provides a measure of the number of Plans published. Currently consistent data is not available for an indicator to measure the actions taken as a result of Plans being in place and the impacts of these actions.

High

Coastal Adaptation Plans are a key mechanism for coastal resilience and adaptation actions across Scotland.

High

Indicator will capture all Coastal Adaptation Plans across Scotland so will show a national picture.

High

A list of completed and ongoing Coastal Adaptation Plans will be made available at www.DynamicCoast.com/cca

High

Information available regularly. Information on complete or updated Coastal Adaptation Plans are expected to be reported by each local authority via annual Public Body Climate Change Duty reporting returns. This is expected to show change over SNAP3 period.

High

The indicator should be widely understandable and captures a simple measure of change.

High

Indicator updates available through Scottish Government.

A measure of degree of risk assessment taken by public sector groups (local authorities, NHS boards, educational institutions, IJBs, transport partnerships, others). Scored on a scale from 'none', 'limited', 'comprehensive', 'advanced'

Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN)

Increasing over time across all groups

Qualitative assessment of risk assessment taken – 'none', 'limited', 'comprehensive' or 'advanced'

Data is collated from statutory local authority reporting so does not cover any additional risk assessment not reported on through this route. Analysis of risk level undertaken qualitatively by SSN so is a subjective measure of risk assessment level.

High

Risk assessment is a key element of climate adaptation response and action.

Moderate

Captures some key elements of the objective, particularly around culture and skills. But does not capture collaboration or inclusivity of action which are two key areas of the associated objective.

Moderate

Data is available to be requested through SSN and analysis published in their annual reporting. But datasets not published alongside analysis.

High

Annual changes will be visible through annual reporting and analysis process.

Moderate

Requires some understanding of SSN's analytical framework (and subjective nature of assessment) but concept of risk assessment widely understood.

High

Already gathered and analysed by SSN for their annual reporting.

A measure of level of adaptation action taken by public sector groups (local authorities, NHS boards, educational institutions, IJBs, transport partnerships, others). Scored on a scale from 'none', 'some action', 'good action', 'advanced action'

Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN)

Increasing over time across all groups

Qualitative assessment of level of adaptation action taken – 'none', 'some action', 'good action', or 'advanced action'

Data is collated from statutory local authority reporting so does not cover any additional risk assessment not reported on through this route. Analysis of risk level undertaken qualitatively by SSN so is a subjective measure of risk assessment level.

High

Provides a measure of adaptation action being taken across the public sector.

Moderate

Captures whether adaptation action is happening in the public sector but measures quantity rather than the effectiveness of the collaborative actions being taken. Provides a qualitative measure of level of action based on what is reported to SSN.

Moderate

Data is available to be requested through SSN and analysis published in their annual reporting. But datasets not published alongside analysis.

Low

Captures annual public sector reporting but can only capture actions included in those annual reports rather than any wider risk assessment activity.

Moderate

Requires some understanding of SSN's analytical framework (and subjective nature of assessment) but concept of adaptation actions which could be taken are widely understood.

High

Already gathered and analysed by SSN for their annual reporting.

Average per household water consumption in Scotland for:

• Unmetered households

Scottish Water

Decreasing over time

Litres/household/day

Fewer than 0.1% of Scotland's domestic properties have a water meter. The unmetered figure is extrapolated using a Per Household Consumption Monitor which contains c.10,000 properties in 135 zones. Each of these properties is representative of one of six socio-economic categories which enables extrapolation to the whole of Scotland.

High

Provides a measure of water usage which is linked to the resilience of the water system to drought and increased demand from other wider pressures.

Moderate

Represents a key area of the objective around protecting water quantity, allows the tracking of water usage across Scotland. But represents a sample of households in Scotland and as households are not metered provides an estimate of each household usage. It does not cover non-domestic water consumption, or water abstracted from the natural environment for purposes other than the public water supply.

High

This information is published on the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland website, as part of the Scottish Water Annual Return.

Moderate

Able to show change annually over 5 year plan period, however the data will be variable so longer term trend will be needed to show progress and the effectiveness of effectiveness of campaigns to change customer behaviour, value water and water efficiency improvements.

High

Provides a widely understandable indicator of water usage.

High

Some resource required to agree data access and request externally for annual updates.

Provides a measure of the number of properties sewer flooded (internally) during the year due to severe weather

Scottish Water

Broadly maintained over time (not getting worse with climate change)

Number

The volume, location, frequency and intensity of rainfall in each year will have an impact on the number of properties which are impacted by weather related sewer flooding. Ground saturation levels may also impact the number of properties flooded internally. There is also no legislative requirement to reduce sewer flooding instances.

Moderate

A significant proportion of the waste water network in Scotland consists of combined foul drainage (sewage) and surface water drainage (rainwater). Climate change may increase the number of incidents, due to the increased frequency and intensity of rainfall events, but the relationship is complex. Sewer flooding can be exacerbated by factors such as urban growth and development, network changes and incidents (e.g. blockages) unrelated to climate change.

Moderate

This indicator is broadly representative of the potential impact of worsening storm events and the ability of the combined waste water network to deal with rainwater, in any given year.

High

This information is published on the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland website, as part of the Scottish Water Annual Return.

Moderate

Rainfall patterns experienced each year will vary and affect the reported indicator. Equally, changes in the network, development or other network issues may change the vulnerability of properties to flooding.

Moderate - Low

This indicator requires an understanding of how waste water and rainwater are managed in Scotland within combined foul and surface water systems.

High

Some resource required to agree data access and request externally for annual updates.

Number of ferry service cancellations in Scotland as a result of weather conditions

Transport Scotland

Decreasing over time

Number

Relevant to climate change adaptation as a more resilient transport system should be more reliable and experience fewer delays during poor weather conditions. However, indicator may be influenced by annual fluctuations in severe weather events so the indicator should be understood in this context.

High

Provides a measure of the resilience of transport systems to climate change impacts.

High

Partially relevant to the reliability of the transport system in relation to weather-related disruption for a key mode of transport and provides a robust data source for measuring this.

Moderate

Data not publicly available – requires data request.

Moderate

Data updated annually so regular updates available to track change. But will be sensitive to fluctuations in annual severe weather events experienced so overall trend will be important.

High

Provides a widely understandable measure of weather related transport disruption.

High

Indicator updates available via Transport Scotland.

Proportion of trunk roads in Scotland which require close monitoring

Transport Scotland

Decreasing over time

%

High

Provides a measure of the resilience of transport systems to climate change impacts.

High

Represents the objective well with a robust data source. A transport system which is resilient to weather-related disruption should have fewer trunk roads requiring close monitoring, since roads in better condition should be better able to withstand extreme weather impacts.

High

Publicly available, published in Scottish Transport Statistics.

High

Annual data updates available which will reflect year to year change.

Moderate

Requires some understanding of the relationship between road maintenance/condition and resilience to weather impacts.

High

Data and indicator updates available through Transport Scotland.

Proportion of local authority roads in Scotland which are reported as maybe requiring maintenance

Transport Scotland (data collected by WDM ltd using SCANNER vehicle for Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey)

Decreasing over time

%

High

Provides a measure of the resilience of transport systems to climate change impacts.

High

Represents the objective well with a robust data source. A transport system which is resilient to weather-related disruption should have local authority requiring close monitoring, since roads in better condition should be better able to withstand extreme weather impacts.

High

Publicly available, published in Scottish Transport Statistics.

High

Annual data updates available which will reflect year to year change.

Moderate

Requires some understanding of the relationship between road maintenance/condition and resilience to weather impacts.

High

Data and indicator updates available through Transport Scotland.

Number of reported weather related train delays in Scotland

Network Rail

Decreasing over time

Number

Relevant to climate change adaptation as a more resilient transport system should be more reliable and experience fewer delays during poor weather conditions. However, indicator may be influenced by annual fluctuations in severe weather events so the indicator should be understood in this context.

High

Provides a measure of the resilience of transport systems to climate change impacts.

High

Represents the objective well with a robust data source - a transport system which is resilient to weather-related disruption should experience fewer weather related delays.

Moderate

Not publicly available – needs to be requested.

Moderate

Should be possible to see change over SNAP3 period with regular updates. But will be sensitive to fluctuations in annual severe weather events experienced so overall trend will be important.

High

Provides a widely understandable measure of weather related transport disruption.

High

Indicator updates available.

Percentage of businesses in Scotland reporting assessing climate change related risks

Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS)

Increasing over time

%

BICS is a voluntary survey and has lower response rates than most other ONS business surveys. Risk assessments reported are at a general level which cannot measure within which area of businesses this is occurring (e.g. within governance, investment or operations). The survey results for Scotland only represent businesses with 10 or more employees.

High

Business action in relation to adaptation can make them more resilient and prepared for climate hazards, thereby reducing vulnerability.

Moderate

Captures the extent to which businesses are assessing climate change risks which is a key part of this objective. However, risk assessments reported are at a general level which cannot measure whether this is within governance, investment or operation. The survey results for Scotland only represent businesses with 10 or more employees.

High

BICS survey data publicly available.

High

Regularly gathered and reported on so change over time able to be tracked.

High

Provides an understandable measure of whether businesses are assessing climate risks.

High

Data available and indicator updates can be provided through BICS publication.

Percentage of businesses in Scotland reporting taking action to adapt to effects of climate change

Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS)

Increasing over time

%

BICS is a voluntary survey and has lower response rates than for most other ONS business surveys. The survey results for Scotland only represent businesses with 10 or more employees.

High

Business action in relation to adaptation can make them more resilient and prepared for climate hazards, thereby reducing vulnerability.

Moderate

Captures the extent to which businesses are taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change (but at a general level which cannot measure specific action taken or its effectiveness or inclusivity which are key elements of the objective). The survey results for Scotland only represent businesses with 10 or more employees.

High

BICS survey data publicly available.

High

Regularly gathered and reported on so change over time able to be tracked.

High

Provides an understandable measure of whether businesses are assessing climate risks.

High

Data available and indicator updates can be provided through BICS publication.

Percentage of agricultural land under management contracts. This includes the following options:

• Wild bird seed for farmland birds
• Forage brassica crops for farmland birds
• Stubbles followed by green manure in an arable rotation
• Retention of winter stubbles for wildlife and water quality
• Unharvested conservation headlands for wildlife
• Grass strips in arable fields
• Water margins in arable fields
• Water margins in grassland fields
• Wader grazed grassland
• Wader and wildlife mown grassland
• Converting arable at risk of erosion or flooding to low-input grassland
• Management of floodplains
• Conservation management of small units
• Cattle management on small units (Introduction/retention)
• Moorland management
• Summer hill grazing of cattle
• Corncrake grazing management
• Corncrake mown grassland
• Management of cover for corncrake
• Corn buntings mown grassland
• Chough grazing management
• Chough mown grassland
• Hen harrier grassland management
• Predator control (mammal and crow control)
• Species rich grassland management
• Wetland management
• Lowland bog management
• Management of buffer areas for fens and lowland bogs
• Heath management (Coastal, serpentine, lowland and special interest)
• Tall herb vegetation management
• Managing scrub of conservation value
• Ancient wood pasture
• Cropped machair
• Habitat mosaic management

Scottish Government

Increasing over time

%

Indicator does not capture activities out with the Agri Environment Climate Scheme

Moderate

Links to a key scheme for supporting more resilient agriculture. However, other actions may take place out with this scheme to protect and manage land from climate change impacts so does not capture the full picture of agricultural resilience in Scotland.

Moderate

As above, will not capture all activity taking place across Scottish agricultural land.

Moderate

Data only available on request.

High

Data regularly updated.

Moderate

Provides a widely understandable measure of resilient farming (land under management) but some knowledge of scale and purpose of Agri Environment scheme needed to understand indicator scope and limitations.

High

Indicator updates available through Scottish Government data.

Measures the proportion of Forest Plans (private and public sector) revised under the new addition of the UKFS as a percentage of area under forest plans.

Scottish Forestry Corporate Plan KPI 1.4 forest plans indicator: https://www.forestry.gov.scot/about/our-plans-and-programmes

Ensure all future approved plans and amendments comply with the new edition of UKFS after the 'go-live' date in October 2024

%

The review of existing forest plans to the new UKFS version 5 will take place across the 10+ years after the new edition is live (October 1st 2024).

Figures reported in the SF Corporate Plan use NFI woodland area excluding the category 'assumed woodland' as this hasn't established yet (this includes woodland creation areas).

Moderate

Forest plans are one of the principal tools used to manage long-term change in the forest resource. Cover a wide range of elements including adaptation but are not fully adaptation specific.

Forest plans must demonstrate compliance with the UK Forestry Standard, the Government's reference standard for sustainable forest management, which was reviewed and revised with stakeholders, in 2023, to ensure compliance with the standard, increases resilience.

Moderate

Not all forestry will be covered by a forest plan so the indicator will not capture all forestry in Scotland. Approximately 803,000 hectares or 53% of our woodlands are under active management through a 10-year forest plan at time of publication.

High

Data publicly available in SF Corporate Plan (SF CP) annual report.

High

Annual updates available in SF Corporate Plan annual report which will reflect ongoing change.

Moderate

Complexity of plans and timing of approvals is not widely understood so some knowledge required to understand indicator.

Moderate

Indicator updates available through Scottish Forestry but may require some interpretation by Scottish Forestry GIS team.

Percentage of commercial fish stocks fished at sustainable levels

ICES

Increasing or maintaining over time

%

High

Relevant to resilience of Scotland's fishing industry.

When combined with indicators 2.4 and 2.5 represents a measure of whether fishing vessels are able to continue to find a market for their fish, are able to fish sustainably, and able to stay in profit.

Moderate

Represents key element of objective B2 around fishing sustainability. But for full picture needs to be understood in context of wider fishing indicators

High

Data available publicly and published as part of National Performance Framework.

High

Annual data updates available with year on year change evident.

Moderate

Some technical expertise in fishing sector required but should be broadly understandable to non-technical audiences with accompanying indicator narrative.

High

Data available through ICES and already used for indicator in National Performance Framework.

Tonnage and value of fish stocks (in £) landed in Scotland

Scottish Government, Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics

Increasing or maintaining over time

Tonnage and £

High

Relevant to resilience of Scotland's fishing industry.

When combined with indicators 2.3 and 2.5 represents a measure of whether fishing vessels are able to continue to find a market for their fish, are able to fish sustainably, and able to stay in profit.

Moderate

Represents key element of objective B2 around fishing sustainability. But for full picture needs to be understood in context of wider fishing indicators.

High

Publicly available data.

High

Data updated annually and any changes reflected in updates over Plan period.

Moderate

Some technical expertise in fishing sector required but should be broadly understandable to non-technical audiences with accompanying indicator narrative.

High

Data and indicator updates available through Scottish Government.

Annual operating profit (£) for Scottish fishing fleets

Seafish, Economies of the Fishing Fleet data

Increasing or maintaining over time

£

High

Relevant to resilience of Scotland's fishing industry.

When combined with indicators 2.3 and 2.4 represents a measure of whether fishing vessels are able to continue to find a market for their fish, are able to fish sustainably, and able to stay in profit.

Moderate

Represents key aspects of adaptation objective area through ability of fishing industry to maintain production and support livelihoods through continued operations. But for full picture needs to be understood in context of wider fishing indicators.

High

Publicly available data.

High

Data updated annually and any changes reflected in updates over Plan period.

Moderate

Some technical expertise in fishing sector required but should be broadly understandable to non-technical audiences with accompanying indicator narrative.

High

Data and indicator updates available through request with Scottish Government.

Percentage of finfish biomass across the entire production cycle that survives to harvest

Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey

No decrease in % over time

%

Data and indicator updates available through Scottish Government

Moderate

Relevant to resilience of Scotland's aquaculture industry. Survival to harvest can be impacted by climatic factors. No decrease would indicate that the aquaculture sector is adapting to the additional pressures of climate change.

Moderate

Represents key aspects of adaptation objective area through ability of aquaculture industry to maintain production and support livelihoods through continued operations.

High

Publicly available data.

High

Data updated annually and any changes reflected in updates over Plan period.

Moderate

Some technical expertise in aquaculture sector required but should be broadly understandable to non-technical audiences with accompanying indicator narrative.

High

Data and indicator updates available through Scottish Government publication.

Percentage of businesses in Scotland reporting disruption to supply chains as a result of a severe weather event

BICS

Decreasing over time

%

BICS is a voluntary survey and has lower response rates than for most other ONS business surveys. The survey results for Scotland only represent businesses with 10 or more employees. Will be sensitive to occurrences of severe weather events in a particular year

High

Relevant to adaptation as businesses which are more resilient to climate change should be less vulnerable to supply chain disruption as a result of severe weather events.

Moderate

Captures the extent to which businesses are impacted by severe weather events so is relevant to objective but will be influenced by occurrences of severe weather events in a particular year so longer term trend important to track. The survey results for Scotland only represent businesses with 10 or more employees.

High

BICS survey data publicly available.

High

Question regularly asked in BICS so change over time able to be tracked over SNAP3 period.

High

Provides an understandable measure of how businesses are impacted by climate risks.

High

Data and indicator updates available through BICS publication.