Climate change means wetter winters and drier summers

Research is being carried out into climate change in Scotland expected to bring wetter winters and drier summers.

A new series on Radio Scotland will examine how changing weather patterns will affect our everyday lives.

There is a huge amount of information available on climate change, but a new series called Fresh Air will attempt to make it more user friendly.

Friends of the Earth Scotland and WWF Scotland welcomed the project as a step in the right direction.

Climate change will mean more unpredictable weather, more storms and rising seas Dr Dan Barlow FoE Scotland

BBC Radio Scotland commissioned a report called After the Flood which examines the impact and nature of climate change.

The report found climate change is already happening and is human induced.

Cutting harmful emissions is the only way to slow it down, it concluded.

Fresh Air will look at the impact more flooding and less snow will have on the environment.

'Stimulate debate'

Everything from people's health to housing will be affected.

Scottish tourism could suffer from an expansion of the midge population and the ski-ing industry is likely to be damaged.

There could even be implications for sports like golf and football.

Dr Dan Barlow, FoE Scotland's head of research, said it was important to take assertive action.

He said: "Climate change will mean more unpredictable weather, more storms and rising seas, leading to floods, drought and failed harvests.

Flash floods are becoming more common

"It is essential that we urgently take action to reduce emissions of climate change gases from all areas of Scottish life."

He added: "We are delighted that the BBC recognises the significance of climate change and are keen to promote understanding and stimulate debate on this subject."

WWF Scotland's Head of Policy, Dr Richard Dixon said despite climate change being the biggest global threat, the Scottish Executive had not taken it seriously.

He said: "Despite progress on renewable energy and energy use in the home, policies on transport, agriculture and economic development are all taking us in the wrong direction.

"Even the executive's promise to aim for 40% of electricity from renewables by 2020 is looking uncertain after the Westminster Government's retreat from a similar UK target."

Fresh Air runs for six weeks on BBC Radio Scotland beginning on Wednesday 19 February at 1130 GMT.