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Appendix D - Climate Risk Register - Autumn 2025 Update

Perth and Kinross Council · 25 February 2026
Back to Perth and Kinross Council — 25 February 2026 and its agenda

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Page 1

Risk code Sector Climate factor Risk Risk description Impact rationale Impact Score (1 Low -
3 High)
Timescale Likelihood Rationale Likelihood Score (1
Low - 3 High)
Combined
Score
Risk owner Action
category
Review
cycle
Related CCAP
actions to address
risk
Comment
BI2 Business and industry Precipitation Risks to business from flooding Flooding can severely disrupt
businesses in both the short and
long term. Flooding may mandate
businesses closing for repairs, and
may make it difficult for them to
get insurance.
The risk impact is assessed as
high. If businesses are forced to
close or become unviable due to
flooding, this is a significant
impact on business owners and
customers. The costs associated
with flooding damage may also be
high.
3 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Flooding already affects Perth
and Kinross. Climate change is
expected to make this worse
both in terms of frequency
and severity.
3 9 Flooding Team
(Rick Haynes)
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R21, R23, R24 & B&I 12
CH1 Cultural heritage All Risks to cultural heritage from
climatic changes and flooding
Flooding can damage cultural
heritage such as historic buildings.
It may also require attractions to
be closed to the public if they
require repairs.
More widely changes to cultural
can occur from increased
precipitation and moisture leading
to increased condensation
The risk impact is assessed as
high. This is primarily due to the
potential cost implications of
damage to historic monuments
and buildings - repair, restoration,
and renovation of historic items
can be very expensive, in the
£10m plus range. If this is not
viable and cultural heritage is lost,
this is a negative impact on the
population as a whole.
3 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Flooding already affects Perth
and Kinross. Climate change is
expected to make this worse
both in terms of frequency
and severity.
3 9 Flooding Team
(Rick Haynes)
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R21, R23, R24
HCB14 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Precipitation Risks to health and wellbeing and
homes from flooding
Flooding  to homes may have
severe short-term consequences
in the time during and
immediately after the flood event;
extreme cases would be loss of
life if (for example) rivers burst
banks. There are also a range of
medium to long term
consequences such as water
contamination or damage to
housing. Finally, there are severe
mental health impacts such as
stress, which could be caused by
flooding or ancillary effects such
The flooding extents and current
experience show that flooding is a
risk throughout the council area,
and will affect urban areas such as
Perth and Blairgowrie. Population
is concentrated in urban areas so
the number of people affected by
flooding will be high.
The overall cost due to health
impacts is difficult to estimate but
could be very high both in terms
of emergency care and care for
longer-term conditions such as
PTSD. There can also be significant
3 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Flooding already affects Perth
and Kinross. Climate change is
expected to make this worse
both in terms of frequency
and severity.
3 9 Flooding Team
(Rick Haynes)
Action required Short 1 - 2
years
R20, R21,  R23, R24, R30,
R36
I14 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to bridges and pipelines from
flooding and erosion
The increased likelihood of storms
due to climate change has
resulted in increased damage to
bridges and pipelines, with high
river flows thought to be
contributing to this. Furthermore,
warmer temperatures may be
accelerating weathering-related
deterioration for embankments.
Within Perth and Kinross, there is
a major long-term project
undertaking scour assessments of
440no. bridges across the council
area.  Preliminary assessments
have identified around 100 higher
risk structures and detailed
studies have been developed for
several sites.  Many key bridges
have been identified as needing
3 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Several bridges have already
been impacted by scour, with
several more identified at high
risks
3 9 Structures Team
(Derek Davidson)
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R12
N1 Nature All Risks to flora and fauna from
climatic changes
This risks comprises of the various
impacts that changing
temperature might have on
terrestrial species, this includes
increases in both maximum and
minimum summer and winter
temperatures as well as changes
to annual average temperatures. 
Terrestrial species are likely to be
impacted by multiple different
climate variables changing. For
example, the hotter  summers and
decreased snowfall will likely
affect specific montane species
too, which in turn, will have
cascading impacts on other
3 now to late century -
already evidence of
reduced snowfall and
increased precipitation
which can impact
wildlife.
Some of these changes are
already occurring - this
combined with biodiversity
loss form other drivers makes
terrestrial species more
vulnerable there are so many
variables it is likely that at
least some changes occur and
3 9 External - Nature
Scot
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R15, L9, L10, L15, L18,
L22
N4 Nature All Risks to soils from changing climate  Risks to soils from changing
climatic conditions, including
seasonal aridity and wetness -
which is likely to degrade soils and
have knock on impacts on
Climate risk to soil will increase in
Scotland due to heavier rainfall
events, which will likely result in
erosion, compaction and
3 uncertain Soils are sensitive to even a
small amount of change to
temperature of moisture and
so given the projected climate
change this risk is highly likely.
3 9 External - Nature
Scot
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
L9,  L22
Perth and Kinross Area-wide Risks

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N6 Nature All Risks to freshwater species and
habitats from changing climatic
conditions and habitats from pests,
pathogens and invasive species
Risks to freshwater species and
habitats from changing climatic
conditions and extreme events,
including higher water
temperatures, flooding, water
scarcity and phenological shifts
it more intense rainfall, rivers are
likely to become more flashy,
more erosive and potentially have
lower summer base flows. These
changes will have negative
impacts on several species, in
particular salmon and freshwater
pearl mussel. Moreover, more
intense rainfall may also mean
higher flow though lochs and
other freshwater habitats and
risks disturbing polluted
sediments.  High temperatures
also impact freshwater habitats
and the species that occupy them,
which can result in loss of
sensitive species and changes in
phenology and species
composition. Higher temperatures
can also directly or indirectly
increase the possibility of water
3 now to late century Some of these changes are
already occurring - this
combined with biodiversity
loss form other drivers makes
freshwater species more
vulnerable there are so many
variables it is likely that at
least some changes occur and
cause impacts described for
this risk. 
3 9 External - Nature
Scot
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R14, R15, L9, L10,  L18,
L22
HCB19- New
Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature and
precipitation
Wildfires
Increased temperature and
prolonged periods of drought
provide an increased risk of
wildfires. This has the potential to
impact on nature, carbon storage,
air quality, homes, infrastructure,
tourism and more
Medium to high risk due to the
wide range of impacts and current
lack of systemic preparedness to
control the risk if it  occurs 3
now to mid century
In summer 2025 areas of PKC 
had extreme and very high
wildfire risk forecasts 3
9 External - Scottish
Fire and Rescue
Needs better
understanding
Short 1 - 2
years
R2 New risk - actions to be be developed
further in Year 5 (2026)
HCB20 -New
Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment All Climate induced food inflation
Climate induced food inflation in
the UK is currently projected at
between 25% (1.5C) to 34% (2C) in
real terms  by 2050, with spikes
expected in specific food groups
following climatic events.  This is
expected to contribute to food
insecurity, food poverty and a
potential reduction in nutrition of
lower income groups.
The impact will be high as will
impact all households in P&K.  The
scale of severe impacts has not yet
been quantified - national
research is ongoing looking at
expected nutritional impacts 3
now to mid century
It is a high likelihood that at
least 25% inflation is already
locked in due to emissions
rises already occurred 3
9 PKC (TBC)
Needs better
understanding
Short 1 - 2
years
New risk - actions to be be developed
further in Year 5 (2026)
BI3 Business and industry Multiple climate
variables
Risks to business from disruption to
supply chains and distribution
networks
Weather is a significant cause of
supply chain disruption across all
sectors. Climate hazards such as
heavy rainfall and surface water
flooding, heating and high
temperatures are the weather
types that cause the greatest
number of weather-related supply
chain disruptions. This causes
significant negative impacts on
businesses which are not able to
continue making their products or
offering their services. As supply
chains and distribution networks
are globalised, this risk is affected
more than other by global
conditions. For example, severe
weather conditions in certain
This is a high impact risk as
disruption to supply chains can
severely disrupt businesses and
will impact on food prices costing
millions in loss of income. Perth
and Kinross's economy is highly
reliant on food and hospitality and 
the construction industry which
would be reliant on supplied form
outside of the UK.
3 Possibly mid-century -
depending on where
supplies come from.
This is highly uncertain and
difficult to understand without
zooming on individual
products and countries of
origin - therefore this is given
a medium. It is also very
difficult to understand how
reliant different businesses
are on oversees imports.
2 6 Employability and
Skills (Graham
Pinfield)
More research
needed
Medium 3- 4
years
Risk should be owned by individual
businesses, but some centralised PKC or
Scottish analysis could be beneficial
HCB13 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Precipitation Risks to education from flooding Flooding has the potential to
severely disrupt education in both
the short and long term. In the
short term, pupils may need to be
sent home and schools may be
There are ten educational facilities
within the extents of river flooding
including the impacts of climate
change; Architrave, Inch View,
Kirkmichael, North Muirton, Royal
2 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Flooding already affects Perth
and Kinross and has disrupted
education previously. Climate
change is expected to make
this worse both in terms of
3 6 Flooding Team
(Rick Haynes)
&
Property (Grant
Key)
Action required Short 1 - 2
years
R21, R23, R24
I15 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to infrastructure networks
(water, energy, transport, ICT) from
flooding induced cascading failures 
Flooding can severely disrupt
infrastructure networks and cause
cascading failures which affect
other interlinked networks.
Cascading failures are by
definition high impact as they
affect multiple systems adversely,
as the overall effect is amplified
due to system interdependencies.
3 Expected to get more
likely through the
century
The SEPA flood maps used to
analyse the risk of flooding are
the "1 in 200 year plus climate
change" likelihood. The
likelihood of this level of
flooding occurring is
2 6 External -
Infrastructure
operators
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R2, R21, R23, R25
I17 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risk to private water supplies from
reduced water availability
Drier summer could affect ground
water levels and therefore private
water supplies
Disruption to water are services is
highly disruptive. It affects
everyone including vulnerable
groups. Private water supplies
being affected can be particularly
impactful as recipients may be in
remote areas, or it may be difficult
to provide alternative sources if
2 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
There have been issues
already with private water
supplies so this is more likely
in the future.
3 6 Regulatory
Services (Ian
Thomas)
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
No diect action in the CCAP, but there is
ongoing work by the Council's  Regulatory
Services  to reduce the impact for
households of this risk
I18 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to infrastructure services from
river and surface water flooding
There is an increased risk to all
infrastructure from surface water
flooding.
The impact is assessed to be high
as flooding is known to affect
Perth and Kinross currently, and
climate change is expected to
increase the frequency and
severity. Damage and disruption
3 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
The SEPA flood maps used to
analyse the risk of flooding are
the "1 in 200 year plus climate
change" likelihood. The
likelihood of this level of
flooding occurring is
2 6 Flooding (Rick
Haynes)
Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
R21, R23, R24

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I19 Infrastructure  Precipitation Landslip risks to transport networks
and infrastructure from slope and
embankment failure
The increased incidence of high
rainfall, combined with periods of
lower-than-average rainfall, are
expected to contribute to
increased rates of slope and
embankment failure. The
deterioration processes are not
The impact is assessed as
medium. Upland areas are noted
as being more prone to natural
slope failures, which is relevant to
areas of Perth and Kinross such as
the Cairngorms. Flash flooding is
also noted as a risk in urban
3 Expected to get more
likely through the
century
High-intensity precipitation is
expected to increase, as are
periods of low precipitation.
The combination of these
means the probability is
medium.
2 6 Structures Team
(Derek Davidson)
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years R35
I5 Infrastructure  Temperature Risks to Embankments
High temperatures may affect earth
embankment structures for dams
and reservoirs by reducing
vegetation on them, reducing their
stability
The impact score for this is high as
any failing dam will cause
flooding.
3 Expected to get more
likely through the
century
Climate change will make high
temperatures affecting
embankments networks more
likely.
2 6 External - Scottish
Water
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years Led by Scottish Water
I7 Infrastructure  Temperature Risks to transport from high
temperatures
High temperatures can cause a
range of detrimental effects to
transport infrastructure, such as
rail buckling and road surface
expansion.
As infrastructure networks are
connected, disruption in other
areas may have cascading effects
on Perth and Kinross, such as the
East Coast mainline. However,
overall, the magnitude of
temperature increases should not
affect transport infrastructure to a
large extent. Extreme events are
more likely due to climate change
and this may increase the risk.
Damage to rural sections of
transport infrastructure may be
particularly significant to Perth
and Kinross as it may cut off
communities. The 2022 summer
heatwave resulted in significant
rail disruption with rails buckling
and speed limits imposed as far as
Aberdeenshire.
Disruption to transport networks
affects broad sections of the
population so the impact is
assessed as high.
3 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Climate change will make high
temperatures affecting
transport networks more
likely.
Periodically happening in
localised events, yet to have
widespread local impacts
2 6 Road Management
Partnership (Willie
Mahoney)
&
Public Transport
Unit (Margaret
Roy)
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years R37
N2 Nature All Risks to terrestrial species and
habitats from pests and pathogens,
including Invasive Non-Native
Species
This risk compromises of the
changing climate facilitating an
increase in pests, pathogens or
non-native species, which would
have a detrimental impact on the
current (or native species).
Trees could be impacted by
pathogens, these are of particular
concern to larch, commercial
forestry, and pinewoods. Of
particular concern in Scotland are
Phytophthora armour, a fungus-
like pathogen that is a particular
threat to larch, and Dothistroma
needle blight (DNB), which poses
a particular threat to Scotland’s
commercial forestry and also to
3 uncertain The likelihood is uncertain as
climatic changes is just one of
many factors which help pests
and pathogens thrive.
Moreover, different pests and
pathogens as well as non-
native species would migrate
and establish themselves at
different rates, therefore this
risk is better  assessed on a
species by species scale which
2 6 External - Nature
Scot
More research
needed
Short 1 - 2
years
R15
N7
(Combined with
N6)
Nature All Risks to freshwater species Risks to freshwater species and
habitats from pests, pathogens
and invasive species which will
have a detrimental impact on
current species and overall
biodiversity.
3 uncertain The likelihood is uncertain as
climatic changes is just one of
many factors which help pests
and pathogens thrive.
Moreover, different pests and
pathogens as well as non-
2 6 Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
Combined with N6
HCB18 - New
Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Increased
storminess
Damage to people and property
from ash dieback linked to increased
storm intensity
Ash Dieback is impacting several
thousand trees across Perth and
Kinross Council. The increased
brittleness of the disease makes
the trees more vulnerable to
snapping and breaking during
storm events 2
now to mid century
Risk already occurring - Ash
Dieback screening and
removal process started will
help to mitigate this risk 3
6 Greenspace (Andy
Clegg)
&
External
Action ongoing
Short 1 - 2
years
R33
I8 Infrastructure  Temperature Risks to digital from high
temperatures, low temperatures,
high winds
An increase in frequency or
intensity of extreme climate
events can have a detrimental
impact on digital networks such as
telecommunications
The specific risk to Perth and
Kinross may be in rural areas;
severe weather may cut off
communities physically and
digitally, hindering repair and
2 Currently happening,
effect of temperature on
future occurrence is
uncertain but may make
occurrences more
The risk likelihood is assessed
as medium as temperatures
are expected to increase in all
scenarios.
2 4 External - network
providers
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years R20
While owned by infrastructure providers,
ongoing work with Community Resilience
Groups to help them develop
independent communication mechanism
(e.g. radios)

Page 4

HCB15 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Precipitation Risks to prison services from
flooding
Prison services can be disrupted
by flooding in several ways; prison
facilities such as HMP Perth may
be damaged, and other functions
such as probation workers may be
disrupted.
HMP Perth is largely out with the
2080 medium at risk flooding plus
climate change extents although
one building sits partially within.
Severe flooding damage to the
prison estate could result in
damages between £1-10m, and
necessary reactive measures such
as transport for prisoners may
also incur significant costs. As a
proportion of the population, the
number of people affected is
relatively low.
Due to the potential  financial
impact, the impact is assessed as
medium.
2 Flooding currently affects
Perth and Kinross; it is
difficult to specifically
apply timescales to
flooding affecting prison
services as it is
probabilities but it is
more likely to be post
2080 as SEPA 2080
mapping largely shows
the prison buildings
largely out with at risk
areas prior.
HMP Perth has buildings
within the low likelihood flood
extents, and also part of one
of the buildings is within the
2080 medium at risk area.
Climate change is expected to
increase the likelihood of
these low-likelihood events,
so the likelihood is assessed as
medium post 2080.
2 4 TBC Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Will be supported by wider flooding
actions
HCB2 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature and
precipitation
Increased damp and condensation in
homes.
Warmer / wetter winters leading
to higher levels of damp and
condensation in homes, which
result in mould, with knock on
health impacts and damage to
homes. Homes most prone to this
This would impact on individual
health and cost to repair the
problem or upgrade homes to
reduce damp. This could be fairly
widespread as 24% of PKC
properties are-pre-1919 and
2 Mid century The projections show that
warmer winter are highly like
by the mid-century under a
high emissions scenario and so
the s is score medium.
2 4 TBC More research
needed
Medium 3- 4
years B2 & B8
Will be supported by actions to improve
the quality and energy efficiency of  P&K
housing stock
HCB3 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature Risks to air quality Climate change, through creating
atmospheric conditions favouring
ozone formation, has been and
will continue to increase ozone
concentrations. This causes risks
to air quality targets as well as
health.
The air quality within Perth and
Kinross is generally good;
however, there are a few known
hotspots within Perth city centre
and Crieff. The main pollutants of
concern are Nitrogen Dioxide
(NO2) and Particulate Matter
(PM10) from vehicle emissions.
NO2 may increase due to
increased temperatures which
could impact existing hotspots.
2 Mid to late century. Though Perth and Kinross's
summer temperatures will
increase they are  not
projected to be as high as
other parts of the UK.
However as hotspots already
exist there is the possibility of
these being impacted by
temperature increases.
2 4 Environmental
Health (Kirsty
Stevens)
More research
needed
Short 1 - 2
years
T24 Monitor and review
I1 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to infrastructure networks
from coastal flooding and erosion
The rise in sea levels due to
climate change will increase
coastal erosion and flooding.
Coastal communities will be
particularly vulnerable. Flooding
can impact key infrastructure
networks such as water,
wastewater, and energy.
Perth and Kinross does not have a
true coastal area, though there are
tidal areas in the Tay Estuary such
as Invergowrie and Perth. Sea
level rise will contribute to
estuarine erosion and flooding.
The financial damage caused by
flooding can be very high,
2 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Flooding already affects Perth
and Kinross, however much of
this is fluvial or surface
flooding, coastal flooding is
not currently a significant
problem.  Sea level rise,
means that an increase in
coastal flooding could be a
2 4 TBC Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years R26
Monitor and review
I10 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to hydroelectric generation
from low or high river flows 
The projected increase in high-
intensity precipitation may pose a
risk of equipment damage due to
high flows. Low flows may also
mean that revenue derived from
hydroelectric power is reduced.
Hydroelectric power is affected by
both low and high river flows.
In Perth and Kinross, there are
numerous small-scale
hydroelectric power installations.
This has the potential to affect a
small number of people severely if
power supplies are disrupted.
There is also the possibility of
financial costs incurred from
equipment damage. The risk
impact is assessed as medium.
2 Currently happening,
expected to get worse
Winter precipitation is
expected to increase, and
summer precipitation is
expected to decrease overall
with short-term intensity
remaining similar, suggesting
more variable rainfall. This risk
is assessed as medium
likelihood.
2 4 External - Energy
suppliers
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
I11 Infrastructure  Temperature Risk to transport from low
temperatures
Low temperatures can disrupt
transport infrastructure, such as
icy roads disrupting bus routes.
This may be particularly significant
The impact is assessed as
medium. This is a known risk for
Perth and Kinross and measures
are in place to cope with winter
2 Currently happening,
increased
frequency/severity of
extreme events may
Assessed as medium
likelihood, noting while
temperatures are expected to
increase on average, transport
2 4 Road Management
Partnership (Willie
Mahoney)
Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
I12 Infrastructure  Wind Risks to transport from high winds Wind speeds are expected to
reduce on average so the risks
posed by high winds may be lower
due to climate change. However,
the likelihood of storms and gusts
is uncertain.
The financial impact of this may
be between £1-10m if for example
overhead line equipment on rail
lines is significantly damaged by
falling trees. Disruption will also
affect (e.g.) commuters and
impacts out with P&K boundaries
will also impact on P&K (e.g. Tay
Bridge closures in Dundee).
2 Currently happening; the
probability of increase or
decrease is difficult to
assess as effect of
climate change on high
winds and gusts is
uncertain. Overall wind
speed is expected to
decrease slightly.
The overall wind speed
decrease is small in absolute
terms. The uncertainty
associated with future
storms/gusts means this risk is
assessed as medium but noted
as highly uncertain.
2 4 Road Management
Partnership (Willie
Mahoney)
&
Public Transport
Unit (Margaret
Roy)
Better
understanding
needed
Long term 5+
years
Monitor and review
I13 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to subterranean and surface
infrastructure from subsidence
Increased precipitation, on
average or in short-term intense
bursts, poses a risk to above and
below ground infrastructure as
ground conditions may change
suddenly or previous design
conditions may no longer be
appropriate.
The financial impact of this may
be between £1-10m if for example
gas or water pipelines are affected
by subsidence. This has the
possibility of affecting people
severely if energy/water is
disrupted. Houses being at an
increased risk of subsidence is
also a potentially severe impact,
though impacts are expected to be
localised. 
2 An increase in high-
intensity precipitation
events makes subsidence
more likely, though the
extent of this is uncertain
and would require more
detailed analysis of
ground conditions in the
area.
The uncertainty associated
with the current and possible
future state of subsidence
means this risk is assessed as
medium but noted as highly
uncertain.
2 4 TBC Action needed Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review

Page 5

I4 Infrastructure  Wind Risks to energy infrastructure from
high winds
Wind speeds are expected to
reduce on average so the risks
posed by high winds may be lower
due to climate change. However,
the likelihood of storms and gusts
is uncertain. Reduction in wind
speed may also reduce power
produced from wind farms, a
Overall, the risk impact is assessed
as low. Wind speed decrease may
affect energy generation.
Household impacts due to loss of
power linked to high winds are
currently having a big impact on
many communities
2 Currently happens; may
become less frequent but
more severe with falling
wind speeds but
potentially more extreme
events.
Wind speeds are expected to
decrease slightly so this is
assessed as medium
likelihood.
2 4 TBC Monitor risk Long term 5+
years
Monitor and review
N11
Nature
Precipitation/stor
ms
Risks to  from changing climatic
conditions and extreme weather
events:
This risk comprises of how
changes to the frequency and
intensity of storms might impact
upon terrestrial species.
2 Mid to late century. Storm projections are more
uncertain than other
projections, but overall they
are likely to become more
intense due to more energy in
the system. The likelihood of
storms impacting species on a
widescale however is
uncertain as some species are
well sheltered form storms
therefore a likely hood score
of 2 is given.
2 4 Action needed Short 1 - 2
years
Monitor and review
N9 Nature All Risks and opportunities from climate
change to landscape character
This risks/opportunity takes into
account how future changes to
landscape character will occur
from a range of natural responses
to change climate including
alterations to biodiversity, soils,
geomorphology, hydrological
processes, and coastal processes.
Landscape character will also be
modified by indirect effects of a
changing climate, such as through
land use change such as new
cropping systems. There is little
research specifically on this but
given P & K’s link to tourism this is
likely to be a relevant risk. This is
discussed further in both cultural
heritage and risks to tourism. 
Due to the importance of both
tourism and agriculture to Perth
and Kinross combined with the
fact this may also bring
opportunities this risk is classified
as medium.
2 uncertain Highlight undertrain on the
timing and specific drivers of
change - however, the extent
of projected change to the
climate in Perth and Kinross
makes some change
inevitable.
2 4 Local
Development Plan
Needs better
understanding
Long term 5+
years
Monitor and review
BI5 Business and industry Temperature Risks to business from reduced
employee productivity due to
infrastructure disruption and higher
temperatures in working
environments
Infrastructure disruption may
make it harder for employees to
get to the workplace if, for
example, they rely on the train for
their commute. This is likely to
have a greater effect on
employees who cannot work
remotely such as construction or
healthcare workers. These two
sectors, amongst others, could
also be affected by higher
temperatures making work
environments unsafe or difficult.
Unsuitable building design in, for
example, a hospital, could cause
issues during heatwaves. Extreme
high temperatures are likely to
impact the health and wellbeing
of employees, and their ability to
commute to work. Whilst heat
impacts are widely recognised in
the context of labour productivity,
there is limited evidence on future
risks. Moreover, it is recognised
that the impacts of heat vary
widely across business sectors.
This is a high impact risk as
overall, though l the temperature
rise in Perth and Kinross is not
expected to be significant, most
industries could be impacted by
heat if extreme heatwaves were to
occur. Many of Perth and Kinross's
industries are based on outdoors -
these workers are particularly
exposed. Air conditioning is very
low in Perth and Kinross meaning
may buildings could overheat and
impact productivity. The high
score is mainly due to the
widescale potential of this impact.
With almost all businesses in
Perth and Kinross being at risk in
some way is a severe heat wave
were to hit. 
3 Late century Temperatures causing
significant disruption to
working conditions is unlikely
in Perth and Kinross.
1 3 TBC Monitor risk Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review

Page 6

HCB11 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature Risks to health and social care
delivery from higher temperatures
Social Care Staff may be affected
by higher summer temperatures.
Buildings and equipment could
also overheat. Due to the health
impacts described in risk HCB8,
more pressure may be placed on
health care during heatwaves.
Perth and Kinross's has both a
lower baseline and lower
projected summer temperature
increases than other parts of the
UK. So the impact to Perth and
Kinross may be lower. However, if
hospitals do overheat, patients
being already ill are likely to be
highly vulnerable to heat. Pressure
from increased demand would
mean if buildings or equipment
did function this would have a
serious impact during the
heatwave and knock on impacts
after as normal services catch up
to demand. Therefore, the impact
is high.
3 Mid to late century. P &K not likely to experience
extreme temperature and
temperatures of above 30
until later in the century. 
Health impacts can start to be
seen from 25C, which
projections show are unlikely
to have a significant rise in
occurances until closer to mid-
centrury. 
1 3 TBC More research
needed
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
HCB8 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature Risks to health and wellbeing from
high temperatures Higher summer temperatures and
particularly heatwaves have an
established link with premature
deaths and illnesses. Heat related
morbidity in the form of specific
heat illness is also a problem. Heat
Impact for PKC: Urban areas are
more at risk due to the UHI effect,
therefore, Perth the counties
largest urban settlement which is
likely to experience an UHI effect.
This is exacerbated by certain
vulnerabilities in different groups
3 Mid to late century. Perth and Kinross currently
experiences temperatures
lower then the UK average
with heat not being a
significant risk. Only later in
the century under RCP 8.5
does the summer
1 3 TBC Monitor risk Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
I16 Infrastructure  Temperature Risks to infrastructure networks
(water, energy, transport, ICT)
cascading failures from higher
temperatures
High temperatures can cause a
range of detrimental effects to
infrastructure networks, and
cause cascading failures which
affect other interlinked networks.
Cascading failures are by
definition high impact as they
affect multiple systems adversely,
as the overall effect is amplified
due to system interdependencies.
3 Expected to get more
likely through the
century
Despite the projected
increases in temperature it is
unlikely that the temperature
in Perth and Kinross will reach
levels impacting the
functioning of key
infrastructure - and if it does
during particular extreme
periods this will be
uncommon.
1 3 TBC No action needed Long term 5+
years
Monitor and review
I2 Infrastructure  Temperature Risks to energy from high
temperatures
At a UK level, high temperatures
can affect energy systems by (e.g.)
reducing electricity generation
from thermal generators and
increasing the likelihood of faults
on the electricity network.
The projected temperature rise in
Perth and Kinross is not expected
to place excessive strain on the UK
grid. However, there is a
possibility of faults in other areas
having knock-on effects.
Disruption to energy supplies, in
general, affects large numbers of
people - for this reason, the risk is
assessed as high.
3 Becomes more likely at
higher temperatures,
likely to be later in the
century.
The projected temperature
rise in Perth and Kinross is not
expected to significantly
increase the likelihood of
disruption to energy networks.
1 3 TBC Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
I20 Infrastructure  Precipitation Risks to public water supplies from
reduced water availability
Climate change is expected to
result in areas of the UK being in
water deficit. However, Scotland is
expected to remain in supply-
demand surplus over the next
century. Therefore, this risk is not
expected to affect the Perth and
Kinross area to a significant
extent. However, there is still the
possibility of localised water stress
during dry periods. An increase in
frequency or intensity of extreme
climate events can have a
detrimental impact on water
quality and supply by (for
example) damaging wastewater
treatment works.
Disruption to water and
wastewater services is highly
disruptive. It affects everyone
including vulnerable groups. The
negative impacts associated with
disruption to water supplies are
wide-ranging and severe - this is a
key driver for the UK water
industry's focus on resilience. The
financial impacts can be
significant both to individuals and
organisations, and large numbers
of people may be affected
significantly. The risk is assessed
as high.
3 Expected to get more
likely through the
century
The probability is low as water
scarcity should not be an issue
in Scotland.
1 3 Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
I3 Infrastructure  Temperature Risk to energy from low
temperatures
The effect of low temperatures is
generally related to coincident
weather such as rain, sleet, and
snow, which can increase the
likelihood of faults. The overall
impact of climate change on
energy systems is unclear.
Low temperatures drive energy
demand for winter heating.
Winters are expected to get
warmer throughout the century.
However, events such as more
intense winter storms are
expected to become more likely.
Disruption to energy supplies, in
general, affects large numbers of
people - for this reason, the risk is
assessed as high.
3 Currently happening,
may become less
frequent but more
severe with rising
temperatures but more
extreme events.
Temperatures are expected to
increase so this is assessed as
medium likelihood
1 3 TBC Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review

Page 7

BI4 Business and industry Precipitation Risks to businesses from water
scarcity
Businesses use water for many
purposes, from cooling and
heating, to washing products,
dissolving chemicals and as a
direct input to products.
Moreover, they also use water
indirectly through their
employees, who use it for
drinking, washing and sanitary
purposes. As a result, water
scarcity has many negative
impacts on businesses. It can
disrupt business continuity,
especially in very water intensive
sectors such as food and
beverages. If not well managed,
risk of water shortage is projected
to become material in investment
and employment for water-
intense sectors. Another impact of
water scarcity, especially when
combined with increasing hot
temperatures and droughts, is the
impact it has on people, who
might not be able to come to
work, or have a reduced demand
for certain services and products –
which ultimately has a negative
impact on business productivity
Due to the reliance of some of the
large industries such as fruit
productions and whiskey
production on water. If this was to
occur, this would cost businesses
millions in  direct loss. This may
have other impacts down the line,
e.g. loss of contracts.
2 Mid century Perth and Kinross is not
expected to be affected
significantly by water scarcity
according to SEPA projections.
However, data on direct water
abstraction by businesses in
Scotland is not available, and
it is possible that certain
businesses with high water
needs such as whisky
distilleries may be affected.
However, some businesses
which are more rural and rely
on private water supplies may
be impacted. This is less than
10% of the population and so
this likelihood is low.
1 2 External - Scottish
Water
Monitor risk Short 1 - 2
years
Monitor and review
BI6 Business and industry Sea level Risks to business locations and
infrastructure from coastal change
Perth and Kinross has a limited
coastal region but coastal change
may have an outsize impact on
businesses situated on or near the
coast. Cascading effects such as
the effect of coastal erosion on
infrastructure may also be
significant. 
A very small proportion of
business are likely to be impacted
by costal change due to the lack of
coastline in Perth and Kinross.
However, there are businesses
within the large Tay estuary, such
as businesses in and around Perth
Harbour that are within projected
coastal and surface flooding
extents.
2 Late century Perth and Kinross has a small
coastal area so this is a low
probability risk.
1 2 TBC No action needed
Long term 5+
years
Monitor and review
HCB16 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Precipitation Risks to health and social care
delivery from flooding
Flooding may affect critical care
services such as A&E
departments. It may also affect
social care services such as home
visits and care homes by affecting
transport infrastructure.
Furthermore, in times of flooding,
demand on these services may be
higher.
There are no hospitals located
within any of the flooding extent
maps (surface water, river, and
coastal). 
We do not currently have access
to data on other healthcare
facilities such as GP surgeries and
outpatient centres.
The financial impact of disruption
to health and social care could be
very high; for example, disruption
to hospitals may require patients
with complex needs being moved.
Furthermore, disruption to health
services may have severe impacts
on those who need it most
(recipients of critical or social
care).
As a result, the risk impact is
assessed as medium
2 Flooding currently affects
Perth and Kinross; it is
difficult to specifically
apply timescales to
flooding affecting health
services but it is thought
to be more likely later in
the century.
Hospitals are not within the
projected flood extents. We
do not have data related to
social care delivery; this
uncertainty factor means the
overall likelihood is assessed
as medium.
1 2 TBC Monitor risk
Medium 3- 4
years
Engage with HSCP and NHS-Tayside to
better understand risks
HCB17 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature Risks to prison services from high
temperatures
Heat related illness for inmates
and staff, need to move prisoners
if temperatures in some areas of
the prisons become too high. Only
one prison in the Perth and
Kinross area.
Only 2 prisons. so not a
widespread risk when taking in to
account the overall population of
Perth and Kinross - usually older
buildings remain cooler. It is
uncertain how likely this is to
overheat. This was given a score
of medium but more work is
needed to understand this risk.
2 Mid to late century. Perth and Kinross currently
experiences temperatures
lower then the UK average
with heat not being a
significant risk. Only later in
the century under RCP 8.5
does the summer
temperatures begin to rise
significantly - around 4
degrees. Before then and
under lower scenarios the
summer rise is projected to be
below 2 degrees on average.
Heatwaves are expected to
increase though again this will
rarely reach above 30degrees
and will be less severe than
other parts of the UK
1 2 TBC More research
needed
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review

Page 8

HCB7 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature Risks to education from high
temperatures
Schools closure, risk of heat
related illness to children or
vulnerable adults (vulnerable to
heat) or staff. Reduction in
learning/cognitive performance.
Building design of schools is key
determinant of heat risks. Some
naturally ventilated modern
schools often have more problems
with increased risk of overheating.
Classrooms most at risk are south-
facing and those with top-floor
classrooms. People need to
actually go outside more to feel
these benefits, many factors
influence this so the impact purely
from climate change may not be
high. Equally some summer days
may be come to hot to encourage
exercise. 
Children and adults with learning
difficulties are highly vulnerable to
heat and so if schools have
overheating problems this could
have serious impacts on their
health, school closures have knock
on economic impacts. Both loss of
learning hours and parents
needing to take time off work.
However this is likely to be
concentrated in schools with
buildings likely to overheat and
not widespread across Perth and
Kinross. Due to only a smaller % of
the population being impacted
but those being some of the most
vulnerable a impact core of 2 was
given.
2 Mid to late century. Though Perth and Kinross's
summer temperatures will
increase they are  not
projected to be as high as
other parts of the UK.
However, some schools may
be located in poorly designed
buildings which will make this
risk more likely. Additionally,
schools are not open during 6
weeks of the warmest periods
of the year.
1 2 TBC More research
needed
Medium 3- 4
years
Monitor and review
HCB12 Health, Communities
and the Built
Environment
Temperature Risks from summer household
energy demand
Summer cooling
Currently, the use of mechanical
air conditioning in residential
buildings is very low, although it is
increasingly common in non-
domestic buildings (offices and
retail premises). Though an
increases in cooling  days are
projected for the UK this is smaller
for Scotland and negligible at +2
degrees scenario.
Perth and Kinross's has both a
lower baseline and lower
projected summer temperature
increases than other parts of the
UK. Meaning, that  air
conditioning is less likely to be
installed and so the impact on
summer energy is not likely to be
high and should impact less than
10% of the population. However,
if it did occur, it could hamper the
areas low carbon transition plans.
1 Late century Perth and Kinross not likely to
experience extreme
temperature and
temperatures of above 30
until later in the century.
Areas of London currently
experience high temperatures
above 30 in heatwaves,
however air conditioning is
not widespread there and so
even by the end of the century
it is unlikely that many people
implement air conditioning in
Perth and Kinross.
1 1 TBC Monitor risk Long term 5+
years
Monitor and review

Page 9

Risk code Category Climate factor Risk Risk description Impact rationale Impact Score (1 Low - 3
High)
Timescale Likelihood Rationale likelihood Score
(1 Low - 3 High)
Combined
Score
Action
category
Risk Owner Related
CCAP actions
to address
risk
Comment
PKC6 Risk Precipitation Risks to housing and housing
provision from flooding
Climate change is expected to increase the
number of houses affected by flooding as well as
influence areas future houses can be built.
The risk is assessed
as high as the
damage caused to
housing may be
very expensive, and
the effect on
people is very
severe.
3 Currently
happening,
expected to
increase
through the
century
Flooding already affects
Perth and Kinross and is
expected to become more
frequent/severe.
3 9 Action needed Housing &
Flooding
R21, R23, R24
Will be partially addressed by delivery of 
wider P&K flooding projects
Housing team doing some property flood
resilience work - very limited funds -
applying resourcing
PKC16 -
New
Risk
All
Budget and service pressure due
to climate induced food inflation
Climate induced food inflation in the UK is
currently projected at between 25% (1.5C) to 34%
(2C) in real terms  by 2050, with spikes expected
in specific food groups following climatic events. 
This is expected to impact on service budgets,
especially Education and HSCP.
This will also lead to service impacts due to food
insecurity, food poverty and a potential reduction
in nutrition of lower income groups.
The impact will be
medium to high -
25% of the school
meals contract
would be an annual
increase of £1-2M
in real terms by
2050 2
now to mid
century
It is a high likelihood that
at least 25% inflation is
already locked in due to
emissions rises already
occurred 3
6
Research need TBC
Action to be developed in Year 5 (2026)
linked with Good Food Nation work
PKC2 Risk Precipitation Risks to active travel from
flooding
Active travel routes such as cycle paths can be
damaged or made impassable due to flooding.
The overall impact
is assessed as
medium as this may
impact many
people in a low-
level way. There
will also be a
financial cost
associated with
repair and
maintenance.
2 Currently
happening,
expected to
increase
through the
century
Flooding already affects
Perth and Kinross and is
expected to become more
frequent/severe.
3 6 Monitor risk
Duplicate with P&K risks
PKC5 Risk Precipitation Risks to Perth and Kinross own
estates from flooding
Flooding can damage council estates and pose a
risk to users, as well as require costly repair and
maintenance.
The risk is assessed
as medium as the
financial cost may
be in the £1-10m
range for costly
repairs and it may
affect a large
number of people.
2 Currently
happening,
expected to
increase
through the
century
Flooding already affects
Perth and Kinross and is
expected to become more
frequent/severe.
3 6 Monitor risk Flooding (Rick
Haynes) &
Property (Grant
Key)
R21, R23, R24
PKC7 Risk Precipitation Risks to council maintained
community spaces from flooding
Flooding can damage community spaces and pose
a risk to users, as well as require costly repair and
maintenance.
The risk is assessed
as medium as the
financial cost may
be in the £1-10m
range for costly
repairs and it may
affect a large
number of people.
2 Currently
happening,
expected to
increase
through the
century
Flooding already affects
Perth and Kinross and is
expected to become more
frequent/severe.
3 6 Monitor risk Flooding (Rick
Haynes) &
Property (Grant
Key)
R21, R23, R24
Will be partially addressed by delivery of 
wider P&K flooding projects
PKC8 Risk Precipitation Risks to leisure facilities from
flooding
Leisure facilities such as swimming pools may be
closed due to flooding damage either directly to
the facility or due to infrastructure they depend
on such as water and drainage.
The risk is assessed
as medium as the
financial cost may
be in the £1-10m
range for costly
repairs and it may
affect a large
number of people.
2 Currently
happening,
expected to
increase
through the
century
Flooding already affects
Perth and Kinross and is
expected to become more
frequent/severe.
3 6 Monitor risk Flooding (Rick
Haynes) &
Greenspace
(Andy Clegg)
Duplicate with P&K I15
PKC Operational Risks

Page 10

PKC1 Risk All Risks to council's key supply
chains 
Climate change causing both extreme events or
long term change can have significant impacts on 
goods which the council relies upon from around
the world.
The impact is highly
dependent on
where the good
come from, what
the supply is like
from elsewhere in
the world and
weather there is an
alternative option -
there is much
uncertainty in the
scoring and it
would very
depending on the
good , scarcity and
importance to the
council - due to this
difficulty it is score
medium. More
research is needed.
2 now (if a
specific
disaster
struck) to late
century
Supply chain risks are
likely to occur due to
projected climate change
and globalisation -
however, likelihood needs
to be scored on individual
goods taking into account
the country of origin to
have good levels of
confidence. Which is
beyond the scope of this
work.
2 4 research need Procurement
Duplicate with P&K I15
PKC10 Risk Temperature Risks to council maintained 
community spaces from higher
temperatures
Higher temperatures may cause problems for
vegetation, new species may be needed, more
water needed for maintenance. Requiring both
more human resource and financial resources.
Spaces might need to be more shaded for warmer
summer, risk not being used or needing financial
capital to redesign some spaces.
Longer term council
may need to invest
in adapting outdoor
spaces i.e. putting
shading or
additional
vegetation.
Maintenance
schedules  may
need to change,
e.g. more watering
of plants etc. This
cost is likely to be
spread over several
years if not decades
and so would not
exceed 10million in
a short space of
time - but the
council owned
green space is large
in volume, 
therefore this risk is
given an impact
score of medium.
2 mid to late
century
Heatwaves later in the
century could cause
problems though more
likely under a  higher RCP.
If combined with very dry
summers drought may
occur cause maintenance
problems for vegetation in
these areas.
1 2 Monitor  risk Greenspace
(Andy Clegg)
Consideration of changing climate starting
to be embedded in species selection and
landscape design
PKC12 Risk Temperature Risks to Perth and Kinross own
estates from higher
temperatures
High temperatures causing's overheating, closures
of buildings and malfunction of buildings or
installation of air conditioning at high economic
and energy costs.
If multiple buildings
need to be closed
this could cause
significant impacts
for Perth and
Kinross, however, if
current patterns of
working at home
are maintained this
impact might be
reduced somewhat.
Due to the fact
many people work
at home so the
impact is less felt
then in the past,
yet some key
equipment such as
ICT systems would
be at risk.
Moreover, it is
unlikely air
conditioning would
be installed in a
large-scale so
financial cost would
be reduced.  if
overheating this
risk is medium.
2 late century Higher temperatures will
occur, particularly toward
the end o the century
under a higher RCP,
though these will still be
below the UK average.
This is highly dependent
on the type of building,
the buildings
characteristics,  its use and
its ventilation
1 2 Monitor  risk Property (Grant
Key)

Page 11

PKC13 Risk Temperature Risks to housing and housing
provision from high
temperatures
The current and future social housing stock may
be at risk of overheating due to not being
designed for future summer extreme
temperatures in the UK. The impact of this can
cause discomfort for residents and increase there
exposure to heat. This is particularly problematic
for social housing residents are there more likely
to be vulnerable to heat. Social housing provider
may need to install fans or AC in some extreme
cases increasing costs, this also puts a summer
financial strain on residents who may already be
in energy poverty.
The current and
future social
housing stock may
be at risk of
overheating due to
not being designed
for future summer
extreme
temperatures in the
UK. The impact of
this can cause
discomfort for
residents and
increase there
exposure to heat.
This is particularly
problematic for
social housing
residents are there
more likely to be
vulnerable to heat.
Social housing
provider may need
to install fans or AC
in some extreme
cases increasing
costs, this also puts
a summer financial
strain on residents
2 late century Higher temperatures will
occur, particularly toward
the end o the century
under a higher RCP,
though these will still be
below the UK average.
This is highly dependent
on the type of home, its
built characteristics,  its
use and its ventilation and
the residents and their
vulnerability.
1 2 Monitor  risk Housing (Nicola
Lennon)
PKC14 Risk Temperature Risks to road infrastructure from
higher temperatures
Road melt - Asphalt road surfaces begin to melt
and suffer from rutting and melting at surface
temperatures above 50 °C. The relationship
between road temperature and air temperature is
complex, and depends on incoming radiation,
windspeed and surface properties, but it is not
uncommon for road surface temperatures to
exceed 50 °C when air temperature exceeds 25 °C
(Chapman, 2015).
Damage to roads
during extreme
heat would be
costly however the
cost per heatwave
is unlikely to be
above 10millsion -
so this risk is scored
as Medium.
2 late century Temperatures likely to
melt roads are unlikely to
regularly occur until later
in the century.
1 2 Moniter risk
Duplication with I7
PKC15 Risk Temperature Risks for Perth and Kinross staff
from higher temperatures
Indoor office staff: Risk of overheating in
buildings, staff being uncomfortable and less
productive on offices where there is no air
conditioning installed. Or higher energy costs
during the summer months for the council. 
Working from home: Risks to health of staff who
are working in homes that might overheat during
the summer months. Risks to their health and
wellbeing and productivity at work.
Staff working outdoors: Those who regularly work
outdoors will be at increased risk of heat stroke or
other heat related illness during the summer
especially during extreme heat events. This might
include, people working in waste collection
The impact is likely
to be highest on
those most
vulnerable and
exposed - over age
of 65 and outdoor
workers, as this is
not likely to make
up a significant
percentage of PKC's
workforce this
impact is scored as
low.
1 late century Higher temperatures will
occur, particularly toward
the end o the century
under a higher RCP,
though these will still be
below the UK average.
This is highly dependent
on individuals roles and
vulnerability to heat.
1 1 Monitor risk Property (Grant
Key)

Page 12

Risk code Sector Risk or opportunity Climate factor Opportunity Opportunity description Potential Benefit High level next steps
HCBO1 Health, Communities and the Built Environment Opportunity Temperature OpportuniƟes from winter
household energy demand
Warmer winters:  Excess winter mortality is prominent in
the UK, model's estimate that milder winters will decrease
this health burden, thought will remain significant. Many
people in Perth and Kinross area live in fuel poverty which
exacerbates this problem, and this is currently a
significancy health risk for the whole of the UK.
Medium More research could be undertaken to calculate the potential savings for
this
HCBO2 Health, Communities and the Built Environment Opportunity Temperature Opportunities for health and
wellbeing from warmer winters
Warmer winters: There are potential physical and mental
health benefits of being able to spend more time and
exercise outdoors. There is an established correlation
between improved mental health and increased access to
nature, blue and green spaces. Moreover, increased
activity levels have a number of physical benefits. Finally,
increased time outdoors may increase Vitamin D exposure
which is important for bone health and the immune
system. There is little evidence for Scotland specifically.
Increased active travel in the winter due to warmer
weather - this may be hindered by wetter weather
however.
Low Continue to promote Perth and Kinross on the go and other outdoor
activity  to increase levels of activity.
HCBO3 Health, Communities and the Built Environment Opportunity Temperature OpportuniƟes for health and
wellbeing from warmer summers
Warmer summers: There are potential physical and
mental health benefits of being able to spend more time
and exercise outdoors. There is an established correlation
between improved mental health and increased access to
nature, blue and green spaces. Moreover, increased
activity levels have a number of physical benefits. Finally,
increased time outdoors may increase Vitamin D exposure
which is important for bone health and the immune
system. There is little evidence for Scotland specifically.
Low Continue to promote Perth and Kinross on the go and other outdoor
activity  to increase levels of activity.
IO1 Infrastructure  Opportunity Precipitation Increased rain, increased
opportunity to harness water flow
for energy
An increase in rain in certain periods e.g., winter, may lead
to higher river flows and loch levels, which could provide
an opportunity for energy generators such as
hydroelectric installations.
Low Data would have to be analysed to see if and how much of an actual
benefit this could be. This benefit may be off set by less rainfall in the
summer.
NO1 Nature Opportunity All Opportunities from new species in
terrestrial habitats colonisations.
Climate change such as warmer temperature or changed
to precipitation meaning new species which could be
beneficial for biodiversity are able to establish themselves
in new areas.
Low Collaborate with organisations researching these impacts. E.g. James
Hutton Institute.
NO2 Nature Opportunity All Opportunities to freshwater species
and habitats from new species
colonisations
Opportunities to freshwater habitats from new species
colonisations can include enhanced biodiversity, which
supports a range of ecosystem services, particularly
cultural ones such as recreation (including angling, and
enjoyment of wildlife).
However, the opportunities from climate change are
assessed as low for Scotland, both currently and in the
future, as there is low evidence to date, and climate
change is likely to a play smaller part in the benefits of
colonisation compared to other factors. Many of the
opportunities for freshwater species and habitats do not
come directly from climate change, but from human
activities and trade, thus they have a low magnitude score
and sustaining current action is recommended.
Low Collaborate with organisations undertaking research in this field to better
understand the opportunities.
PK O1
Perth and Kinross Council
Opportunity Temperature Opportunities for road maintenance
from warmer winters
Less need for gritting during freezing weather saving on
council resources. Due to rise in both the average and
minimum winter temperatures expected under all
scenarios, some reduction in gridding regimes required is
likely to occur.
Medium/ Low More research could be undertaken to calculate the potential savings for
this
PKC02
Perth and Kinross Council
Opportunity Temperature Opportunities for active travel from
increased temperature
Warmer drier summers may encourage more active travel.
Increase in active travel will help Perth and Kinross lower
GHG emissions
Medium/ Low Continue to promote Perth and Kinross on the go to increase levels of
activity.
Climate Opportunity Register

Page 13

PKCO3
Perth and Kinross Council
Opportunity Temperature and
precipitation
Opportunities for low carbon energy Warmer temperature and increased winter precipitation
may open opportunities for renewable energy to help
reduce the councils carbon emissions and met their
targets.
Medium/ Low Data would have to be analysed to see if and how much of an actual
benefit this could be. This benefit may be off set by less rainfall in the
summer.
BI1 Business and industry Opportunity Multiple climate
variables
Opportunities  for business from
changes in demand for goods and
services
As the climate changes, there is likely to be a change in
goods and services required. An example of this is the
market for air conditioning, which is expected to grow in
the UK as summers are warmer. Another example may be
the demand for solar panels. Finally, a change in climate
may change the tourist market, if certain destinations
become more attractive at certain times. These areas
could provide opportunities for businesses in Perth and
Kinross. Hotter drier summers will decrease the summer
midge.
IMPACT: Increasing hot temperatures will impact the
demand for certain goods and services, therefore
negatively affecting these businesses. 
OPPORTUNITIES: Whilst some products and services will
be negatively affected, there is also great opportunity for
many businesses to gain an advantage if they can
anticipate the changing markets. Sectors relevant to PKC
such as agriculture, forestry, tourism and constructions
have particularly good opportunities for growth. 
Medium/Low Work with the business community to better understand how this coudl
be an opportunity of the region

Page 14

Score Impact Likelihood
1
Low impact risks would include:
Financial impact
•Cost esƟmated at under 1 million.
Number of people impacted.
•Less than 10% of the populaƟon of PKC impacted.
Health impact
•Low impact would mean some inconvenience to people. Some minor health impacts
for a smaller proportion of the population.
Environmental impact
Only small environmental impact – no significant damage, or small geographic area
impacted
Low likelihood refers to a
situation where the risk is
unlikely to occur either due to
specific characteristics of Perth
and Kinross
Or the change in climate
required to make the risk occur
is an extreme case and only
viable later in the century.
2
Medium impact risks would include:
Financial impact
•Cost esƟmated of over 1 million and up to 10million.
Number of people impacted.
•More than 10% and less than 50% of the populaƟon of PKC impacted.
Health impact
•Medium impact would mean significant inconvenience to people. Some major health
impacts for a smaller proportion of the population. Or minor health impacts to a large
proportion of the population.
Environmental impact
Only small environmental impact – some environmental damage, but a medium or
multiple geographic area impacted
Medium likelihood, climate
change required for the risk is
likely to occur below RCP 8.5.
There are some vulnerabilities
inherent in Perth and Kinross
that makes the risk more likely
to happen

Page 15

3
High  impact risks would include:
Financial impact
•Cost esƟmated of over 10million.
Number of people impacted.
•50% or more of the populaƟon of PKC impacted.
Health impact
•High impact would mean significant inconvenience to many people. Major health
impacts to a significant amount of those impacted and or some mortality.
Environmental impact
largescale environmental impact – significant environmental damage,
Only a small amount of climate
change is needed for the risk to
occur. Or risk is already
happening and will be
enhanced by climate change.
Specific characteristics make
Perth and Kinross particularly
prone to the risk occurring.
Combine
d Score Impact score x likelihood score
Final
score -
categoris
ation 1-2 = low 3-5 medium 5+ high
1 2 3
1
2
3

Page 16

Column Description
Risk code Number assigned and used in the technical report for easy cross-reference
Sector
Which sector the risk belongs too, sectors correspond to chapters in the technical report.
Risk or opportunity Denotes which are risks and which are opportunities for easy filtering
Climate factor Climate change factors/hazards which drive the risk
Risk/Opportunity Name
Risk/Opportunity description Short description
Impact rationale A short justification around why the impact score was given
Impact Score (1 Low - 3 High) impact score
Timescale A rough indication of when in the century the risk is likely to begin to occur.
Likelihood Rationale A short justification around why the Likelihood score was given
Likelihood Score (1 Low - 3 High) Likelihood score
Combined Score Impact x Likelihood score = overall score
Action category each risk has been categorised to show how urgent the action is needed.
Review cycle A rough guide to when these risks need reviewing
High level next step suggestions High level suggestions on what actions could take place.