Edinburgh City Council has released a detailed plan outlining 66 steps to prepare the city for the impacts of climate change. The 'Climate Ready Edinburgh Implementation Plan', set to be reviewed by the Policy and Sustainability Committee next month, aims to implement all actions within the next two years.

The plan focuses on adapting to climate change impacts, including tackling flood risks, protecting the World Heritage Site, planting trees, and enhancing transport resilience. Key proposed actions include:

• Identifying triggers for extreme weather preparedness.

• Planting 25,000 trees annually to achieve "Million Tree City" status.

• Prioritising street tree planting in flood and overheating-prone areas.

• Increasing city tree canopy cover to 20% by 2045.

• Establishing a 'Wilding Wee Spaces Schools' program.


• Conducting a flood study for coastal defense management.

• Completing a surface water flood management project in Craigleith by 2026.

• Piloting adaptation and energy retrofit projects in the World Heritage Site by 2026.

• Monitoring and addressing damp in council housing.

• Enhancing the resilience of Edinburgh's transport systems.

Council Leader Jane Meagher emphasized the unique challenges facing Edinburgh, with its historical architecture and extensive coastline. "Recent events have been a stark reminder of how disruptive weather can be to our city and to property," she said. "We need to focus our efforts on adapting and preparing for such risks."

Meagher highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on disadvantaged households, stressing the link between climate action and poverty reduction. She also underscored the economic imperative of becoming "climate ready."

Gordon Reid of Scottish Water, chair of the Edinburgh Adapts Partnership, noted the increasing frequency of severe storms and their impact on the city. He stressed the need for adaptation measures that benefit everyone in society.

Yann Grandgirard, Head of Climate Change at Edinburgh World Heritage, emphasised the threat climate change poses to the city's historic sites. "The finalisation of the Edinburgh Climate Ready implementation plan is an important step in providing the necessary framework to protect and enhance both the World Heritage Site and the city through sensitive adaptation actions," he stated.