As we start 2026, we’re reminded that we can’t slow down on our action to tackle climate change. With the Met Office predicting we’ll remain in a period of exceptional warmth, 2026 is expected to rank amongst the four warmest years since records began in 1850.
Prepare now for potential water scarcity in 2026
The Met Office outlook and our Autumn Water Situation Report are both reminders that we should start planning now for the year ahead. That’s why we’re encouraging farmers, businesses and other water users across Scotland, particularly in the east, to take action now.
Our report highlighted the scale of the challenge and revealed that:
Eastern Scotland entered winter with significant rainfall deficits.
2025 was the driest hydrological year since 1976, with below-average rainfall in 9 of the past 11 months.
Record-breaking temperatures during 2025 have worsened conditions.
Groundwater levels in Fife, Angus, and Aberdeenshire were at their lowest November levels on record.
Winter is the key recovery period. Consistent, sustained rainfall over the coming months is needed to restore river flows and groundwater before pressures increase again in spring and summer. If rainfall is only average, or below average this winter, some areas of eastern Scotland could face even more severe water scarcity in 2026 than last year.
Building resilience – New insights into Scotland’s flood risk unveiled
Flooding is our biggest domestic climate adaptation challenge. Our recently published 2025 National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) report provides a vital national picture of where flooding is most likely to occur and where its impacts could be most severe.
The latest report represents a major step forward in how flood risk is understood. For the first time, we can see where flooding will be deepest, not just where it will happen. This means we can prioritise the places where impacts on homes, businesses and vital services would be greatest.
The NFRA provides evidence to inform co-ordinated action on flooding and support decisions on investment for flood risk management. It gives us the clearest picture yet of what lies ahead and, ultimately, is a roadmap to better flood resilience.
Driving climate adaptation across the public sector
The National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) was introduced at Scotland’s first Climate Leaders Adaptation Summit in Edinburgh, highlighting it as a major milestone in our ongoing effort to help the country both avoid and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
Our Chief Executive, Nicole Paterson, joined senior figures from across Scotland’s public sector at this landmark gathering which marked an important step in strengthening national collaboration around the growing challenges posed by climate change.
How we’re delivering our net zero ambitions
We’re showcasing our ongoing work to drive progress towards net zero in the recent publication of our annual report and accounts.
Our key highlights include:
Looking ahead, our priorities are clear, we’ll accelerate progress towards net zero while building a climate-resilient Scotland. The report shows how we’re using data, technology and partnerships to deliver real results, from cutting our own carbon footprint to supporting sustainable practices across sectors, ensuring environmental protection and economic prosperity go hand in hand.
We’re committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and our Net Zero Routemap sets out how we’ll get there. We’re in the final year of our current routemap, so have turned our attention to the next phase covering 2026–2030.
What’s changing? The new routemap is about making net zero activities part of our everyday work. Extending our routemap to a four-year outlook, we’ll be able to target the biggest sources of our emissions – travel, our buildings and workspaces, our supply chain, and the technology we use.
Our routemap isn’t the end of the story, we track and report on progress helping us to understand what’s making the biggest difference and supporting our people in considering net zero in everything they do.
How we’re embedding climate change into our decision making
A tool we’ve recently introduced to support our route to net zero is a Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA). We’ll use this initially for strategic leadership decisions, with its influence expected to grow across corporate, policy and operational work over time.
Pulling from the guide developed by the Sustainable Scotland Network, we’re joining other public bodies and local authorities by bringing climate change early into the decision making process. Doing this, we can reduce negative impacts, increase benefits and make more resilient choices.
Providing evidence to shape Scotland’s low‑carbon future
Earlier this month, our Head of Specialist Regulation, Gary Walker, appeared before the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee to provide expert evidence on Scotland’s waste sector. His contribution formed part of the Committee’s scrutiny of the Climate Change Plan (CCP), the Scottish Government’s overarching strategy for meeting national carbon‑reduction targets across all sectors of the economy.
Our evidence helps ensure that the environmental realities, challenges and opportunities of the waste sector are clearly understood as Parliament shapes future climate policy.
Give your feedback on the Scottish Government’s plan
You can also have your say on the draft Climate Change Plan. The plan aims to end Scotland’s contribution to global emissions while delivering benefits such as warmer homes, improved air quality, and the health advantages of active travel.
For the first time, the plan includes fully costed pathways for emission reduction and is fully aligned with Just Transition principles, ensuring fairness and inclusivity throughout the transition to net zero.
The consultation is open until 29th January 2026, and feedback from individuals, organisations and communities is encouraged. Responses will help shape the final plan, making Scotland’s journey to net zero ambitious, fair and inclusive.
