A new, pioneering study is set to examine how climate change could trigger widespread disruption across Scotland's critical infrastructure. Commissioned by the Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland Forum (CRIS), a partnership of infrastructure operators, government bodies, and academic institutions, the research aims to help organisations better understand the risks to essential services.
The study, believed to be one of the first of its kind globally to be jointly commissioned by multiple infrastructure owners and operators, will assess how climate-related disruptions might spread across sectors including transport, energy, water supply, and communications. It seeks to identify vulnerabilities that could be missed when risks are considered in isolation.
Gillian Martin MSP, cabinet secretary for climate action and rural affairs, stated: “Our changing climate is placing increasing pressure on the infrastructure and services we rely on every day. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe, it is vital we understand not only the risks facing individual sectors, but also its knock-on effect. We’re committed to strengthening Scotland's infrastructure in the face of a changing climate and this pioneering project helps demonstrate Scotland's leadership on climate adaptation and resilience.”
The research will establish the first shared 'register' detailing how Scotland's infrastructure systems are interdependent. It will pinpoint vulnerable points within the complex system-of-systems where climate-related failures could have the most significant consequences and analyse the propagation of disruption across interconnected networks. The findings will be brought to life through place-based case studies across Scotland.
David Harkin, Network Rail Scotland’s weather resilience and climate change adaptation strategy manager and co-chair of the CRIS forum, commented: "Much of our infrastructure was built for a climate that no longer exists. That’s why the Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland Forum was created, and for the first time, organisations that own and operate our critical infrastructure are working together to build a shared understanding of these risks."
The project is funded by a coalition of Scottish infrastructure owners, operators, and public bodies, with support from the Scottish Government. Partners include Network Rail, Scottish Water, ScotRail, Openreach, SSEN Distribution and Transmission, Transport Scotland, and the Met Office. The National Centre for Resilience at the University of Glasgow will manage the process.
Fabrice Renaud, professor of environmental risk and community resilience at the University of Glasgow, added: “As Scotland faces increasing climate-related hazards, we need to better understand how our infrastructure systems are connected and how disruption in one sector could affect others. This work will help inform how we can strengthen Scotland's resilience to natural hazards and better prepare for the challenges we face.” The study will now go out to tender, with the successful supplier appointed to deliver the research over the next 12 months.
