NPPP 2022 SEA Scoping Report: Topic 1 Climate Change

This document contains baseline information on climatic factors within the Cairngorms National Park for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It includes questions for consultation authorities regarding missing information or errors, and asks about relevant initiatives. The document also provides context on Scotland's temperate climate and how it's being affected by climate change, including predicted effects like hotter summers, milder winters, and increased extreme rainfall. Historic climate trends from the Braemar weather station show a decrease in air frost days and an increase in rainfall. Future climate projections, based on UK Climate Projections (UKCP18), suggest temperature increases and uncertain precipitation changes. Finally, the document looks at greenhouse gas emissions by source in Scotland and the Park, noting that transport is now a leading source of emissions, though overall emissions per person have decreased. The document concludes by outlining proposed SEA objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure infrastructure can cope with future climate conditions.