The Minister was speaking yesterday as he launched the second stage of the consultation on Scotland's new Climate Change Adaptation Framework which looks at how Scotland should plan for the unavoidable consequences of climate change.
Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Scotland's climate is changing. While urgent action to reduce emissions is vital, so is action to reduce Scotland's vulnerability to the impact of our already changing climate. Some degree of climate change is unavoidable, as the impacts over the next 30 to 40 years have been determined by our past and present emissions.
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"Therefore, alongside cutting emissions, Scotland needs to find ways to adapt to a new and challenging climate. By planning and preparing for change now, Scotland will be better placed to take advantage of any opportunities and build its resilience to any potential negative consequences change brings."
Mr Stevenson said this isn't just a green issue as climate change will have a real impact on our economy. He pointed to the whisky industry showing real leadership in its response to climate change and described it as an example for other sectors to follow.
"I want the Scottish Government to do all it can to foster innovative adaptation and the Climate Change Adaptation Framework will create the right conditions to release our innovative spirit. It will help decision takers make the right choices for the future."
Welcoming the publication of the strategy Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association, said: "It is in the nature of Scotch Whisky that distillers must always take a long term view. As part of our commitment to a sustainable future, the industry is working today on climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Government support in this area is welcome and helps to underpin our wider environmental strategy to be launched in June."
(GK/JM)
