Edinburgh Council outlines climate change and heatwave response

The Edinburgh City Council has presented an update regarding its strategic response to climate change and extreme weather. Through the ‘Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan’ and its associated implementation strategy, the Council aims to increase the city’s resilience against anticipated hotter and wetter weather patterns.

Key initiatives include enhancing public safety during heatwaves by providing updated information via the Council website and implementing severe weather plans in schools to keep buildings cool. To mitigate rising temperatures and improve air quality, the city is working toward a goal of becoming a ‘million tree city’ by 2030, building on its current count of approximately 830,000 trees.

Additional efforts focus on expanding the ‘Edinburgh Nature Network’ to connect parks, woodlands, and waterways, thereby supporting biodiversity and improving resident access to nature. The Council is also working to ensure easier access to water during periods of extreme heat.