Climate Change

Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere, most notably from the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and gas) for energy generation, industry and transport. The effects of climate change will vary across the world, with some of the most severe impacts - such as food and water shortages and the spread of diseases such as malaria - affecting the developing world. In Scotland, research indicates that climate change is likely to mean higher temperatures throughout the year, reduced rainfall in summer and increased winter rainfall, less snow and more unpredictable and extreme weather conditions, resulting in increased flooding, drought, wind damage and heatwaves.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act means that the Council has a duty to contribute to reducing Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020, and 80% by 2050; we also have a duty to contribute to Scottish Government's climate change adaptation programme, and to act in the way that is considered to be most sustainable.

Clackmannanshire Council is committed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through a range of initiatives such as improved energy efficiency, the development of a green travel plan, reduction of waste, and increased recycling. In January 2007, the Council signed Scotland's Climate Change Declaration. The Declaration has been signed by all of Scotland's local authorities and Scottish Ministers and acknowledges that:

climate change is occurring and human activities are having a significant negative and possibly dangerous influence;
climate change will have far reaching effects on Scotland's people and places, impacting on our economy, society and environment;
there are significant social, economic and environmental benefits in taking action to combat and prepare for climate change; and
all of us in Scotland have duties and responsibilities to take action to both mitigate and adapt to climate change, and to promote the sustainable development and well-being of our local communities.

Through the Declaration, the Council has committed to contribute to the delivery of the Scottish and UK Climate Change Programmes, and produce a Climate Change Action Plan for Clackmannanshire with clear targets and time-scales to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the authority's own operations. We have also committed to produce an Annual Statement on Climate Change showing the progress of our climate change response; take action to adapt to the effects of climate change; and work with the community and other organisations on climate change.

The Council is already working with partners such as WWF and the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust on adaptation projects, such as the Clackmannanshire Countryside Rivers Project. This has included Scotland's first "managed retreat" project at the Black Devon Wetland and the innovative "Slowing the Flow" project on the River Devon, which is a practical response to the need for sustainable flood management.

More information on these projects is available through the following links: