The Scottish Climate Change Impacts Partnership website www.sccip.org.uk will provide regular updates on climate change research and promote understanding of climate science.

Stewart Stevenson, climate change minister, said: “Climate change is the most serious environmental threat facing us. Even with our ambitious targets for reducing emissions, change to Scotland’s climate is unavoidable. It is essential that we understand the challenges including increased flood risks and potential opportunities such as a longer growing season that a changing climate will bring. Taking action now to adapt sustainably, while reducing emissions, will safeguard against damage to our economy and our environment.”