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01 MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
Unchecked climate change is one of the most serious threats facing us today. It is not just an environmental challenge. Climate change threatens people and economies, societies and our very existence. That is why the Scottish Government is acting now to address the effects of climate change already present while also working to minimise the effects of climate change further into the future. In this way, we will continue to show global leadership in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Climate change is already being felt in Scotland. Since 1961 temperatures have risen in every season and in all parts of Scotland and heavy rainfall events have increased significantly in winter, particularly in the north and west. We are also experiencing shorter snow seasons.
Climate scenarios for Scotland suggest these trends will continue with our climate becoming warmer, wetter and stormier over the next century. Events such as the 2002 Glasgow floods and 2005 Western Isle storm have shown us the destructive potential of extreme weather on our communities.
The Scottish Government is clear about its purpose: to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. Its also clear that to achieve this future for Scotland, we must act to safeguard our communities and the long-term prosperity of our environment and economy from the negative consequences of a changing climate. We must develop a well-adapting Scotland.
The Scottish Government is uniquely placed to influence many of the policy areas central to a strong adaptation response. We must provide leadership by mainstreaming the principles of climate adaptation through our own activities. However, developing a well-adapting Scotland is a huge challenge, one that will require the active participation of everyone - individual households, businesses, community groups, the voluntary, public and private sector. One that requires multiple and ongoing decision making. Therefore, we must also provide a strategic framework, with supporting principles and priority actions, to ensure Scotland's approach to climate adaptation is a sustainable one.
Therefore, I welcome your views on the following proposals for a strategic climate change adaptation framework through which we will promote a sustainable approach to climate adaptation. 
Stewart Stevenson
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change
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