A Quick Guide to Edinburgh's Climate Crisis

Old roof and rainwater management systems as well as drainage will become insufficient as existing systems will be unable to cope with the level of storm water associated with extreme and more frequent weather events. Additionally, if temperatures continue to rise, the rate of decay will increase further due to processes like the freeze-thaw cycle, the mobilisation of salts, and deposition of material.

Scotland has one of the most ambitious climate change mitigation goals globally and has set a goal of a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. In 2019 a 47% reduction was reached, and new targets were set for 75% by 2030, 90% by 2040; and net zero by 2045. 

As part of Scotland’s push for building resilience, Historic Environment Scotland set out to identify environmental hazards to their sites and found that many sites are exposed to risks like flooding, coastal erosion and slope instability that will be exacerbated by climate change.  

Combating climate change requires innovative action. 3D capture technology provides a tool for further understanding, evaluating, and producing conservation management plans. It can also be used to connect broader audiences with unique cultural heritage, demonstrating global diversity and shared understandings.