A new report into the impact climate change will have on the Scottish Highlands has painted a concerning picture with threats to wildlife and fauna.

Highland Adapts has released it’s economic analysis of the risks and opportunities in the region and believe plans need to be put in place immediately to begin sorting it out and attempt to save the Highlands from the damage climate change is expected to have.

Some of the key findings from the report state that the GDP of the Highlands will be down 1.5 percent per year by the 2050s, rising to -3.3% by the 2080s. There will also be serious impact from flooding which could increase costs from the £11 million per year it currently costs to deal with, to £20 million per year by the middle of the century and double that by the end of it.

As well as flooding, wildfires could have a serious impact on the area and could increase fourfold from the approximated £0.3 billion per year it currently does. Wildfires costs are estimated to rise significantly between 2030 and 2090, as well as those from droughts, pests and disease and it will cause significant damage to the Highland’s forestry and timber sector.

Salmon production is also set to be affected from rising sea temperatures while whisky production could even be harmed from extreme events and climate conditions.

The reports, which make clear that analysis of climate change is always subject to change and there is a level of uncertainty, make clear that even though the exact numbers may not be possible to guarantee, the trends are there for all to see and cause concern.

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“This report marks a key step in our region’s journey towards climate resilience,” says Helen Lavery, Chair of Highland Adapts. “The findings in these reports present a sobering picture of how climate change is already impacting our regional economy, and how this may escalate in the future.

“However, they also represent an enormous strategic advantage for the Highland region. While the Highlands face significant challenges, we are not alone. Regions across Scotland and the UK will experience profound impacts from climate change, although, without this kind of research, they may not yet fully understand the scope of these impacts. It is now time for the Highland region to work together to take concrete steps to ensure our future resilience and prosperity.”

The report has outlined ways in which the impact can be curbed and the extent to which climate change will damage the area minimised. They want to see significant action on cutting emissions globally and locally, as well as convening key sectors and local communities to build capacity to assess specific climate risks and develop adaptation projects.

They also want climate change and extreme weather events to be considered around future planning, including building climate resilience and make public sector support to private sector investment, including new energy infrastructure, contingent on screening for climate risk.

Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin has promised that the Scottish Government is continuing to work on a transition for all sectors and admits that they have to consider the increasing number of extreme weather events across the country, but particularly in the Highlands.

She said: “The increasing frequency of extreme weather such as storms, flooding, and heat will have impacts across society, ranging from agricultural production to critical supply chains for vital foods, goods and services. Understanding the economic impacts of climate change is a crucial part of building a more resilient Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is working to ensure a just transition is delivered across our sectors, sites and regions, to secure a sustainable future for our economy, workforce and environment. Highland Adapts’ work with communities and business is an inspiring example of the power of collaboration and locally-led action on the climate emergency - I welcome this report and we will consider it carefully as part of this wider discussion.”

It comes as 80% of Scots feel the Scottish Government should have policing in place that will support rewilding. Polls carried out by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance show support is there but the coalition of more than 20 organisations has warned that both the government and public bodies are being too slow to engage with the opportunities offered by rewilding.

They also fear that the forthcoming Scottish Natural Environment Bill is less ambition than initially planned with recent decisions from the government, including the reallocation of £5 million from the Nature Restoration from, causing dismay among the organisation.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance is now calling on the government to declare Scotland the world’s first ‘Rewilding Nation’ with nature recovery taking place across 30% of the country, and say this week is a key opportunity to act.

Abernethy forest in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.Abernethy forest in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. (Image: James Shooter)

Steve Micklewright, Scottish Rewilding Alliance Convenor and Chief Executive of Trees for Life, said: “The Scottish Government has been moving far too slowly on addressing the country’s nature crisis through rewilding, and risks being left behind internationally.

“It should seize the opportunity to declare Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation. Such ambition would offer hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and create benefits for people and local communities on health, jobs, and sustainable food production.”

Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of nature to the point where it can take care of itself, on land and at sea. Currently, less than 3% of Scotland’s land and 1% of its seas are rewilding, according to research carried out by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.

Some public bodies mention rewilding in their plans or are increasingly taking action to support rewilding, it’s not widespread and is yet to be included in the Government’s key policies and frameworks such as the planning framework, net zero plan and biodiversity strategy.

In the new polling – which was carried out by independent research agency Survation – 80% of people who responded felt it was important the Scottish Government put policies in place to support rewilding.

Rewilding 30% of Scotland can be achieved by restoring habitats including peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers and seas, while maintaining and benefitting productive farmland, the agency says.

The Rewilding Nation Charter, calling on the Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation, has already been signed by thousands of people.

Charter signatory Genevieve from Nairn, said: "We must be the future and show the way. Scotland has so much potential and the people are already showing their commitment to nature, for the species, planet and ourselves. We need the government to be brave, take our lead, and commit to becoming a Rewilding Nation." 

The Rewilding Nation campaign was backed by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio earlier this year.