Scotland is getting warmer and wetter as evidenced by:

• the 1pct increase in spring, summer and winter temperatures since 1961
  
• a 60pct rise in winter rain in the north and west of Scotland over the same period
  
• sea temperataures up by 1 degree Centigrade over the past 20 years.

Positive Implications:

• Rivers are in the cleanest condition for 300 years.
• Air pollution from industry is declining.
• Waste going to landfill is falling.
• Man-made radioactivity levels are falling
• Awareness of environmental issues is rising.

Negative Implications

• More frequent and severe river flooding affecting 77,000 properties.
• Higher temperatures which are less favourable for native wildlife species.
• Catastrophic losses of some bird species through disruption to the food chain.
• Drier soil and stronger storms leading to landslides and disruption to to transport links.
• Population affected by more respiratory illness and heat-related distress but fewer cold related deaths.
• Periods of reduced river flow and higher water treatment costs.
• More summer smogs.
• Weather more erratic, with higher incidence of of extreme weather.

Visit changing Scotland with catswhiskerstours

posted by Nigel Cole @ 2:51 AM