Scottish farmers need to get used to more 'extreme weather events,' according to research by the James Hutton Institute. As 2023 draws to a close, parts of Scotland have been battered by storms, drenched in floods, and even parched in droughts over the year, which a new study states is likely to become the norm.

In an interview with Dr. Mike Rivington, a climate change scientist at the Hutton Institute, the academic squarely puts the blame for the extreme weather on climate change and a warming atmosphere. The expert from The James Hutton Institute unveiled evidence that suggests Scotland's climate is heating up at a faster rate than initially forecast.

Regions in Scotland have encountered substantial shifts in temperatures. For instance, since 1960, February temperatures have surged by 2.5°C, matching the lower range of anticipated climate changes proposed for the 2020-2050 period. This trend suggests insight into higher temperatures. For every one-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the atmosphere's moisture-holding capacity amplifies by 7%.

Dr. Rivington highlighted: "The temperature of the Earth may have risen to its highest level in 100,000 years. And we know we have ice ages that follow natural cycles, but what we are witnessing now is things are moving much faster than during these natural changes. "All the evidence shows we are not in a normal cycle. It is clear that the atmospheric concentrations of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide are high, and the science is unequivocal that these cause warming.

"The acceleration of climate change and biodiversity loss on a global scale could push us beyond key tipping points, which, if crossed, will be irreversible. "The fact that we have already experienced some of the projected changes in Scotland's climate suggests that climate change is happening faster. This will have global impacts, affecting trade and undermining the stability of economies.

"March, April, and May will become more variable. Some springs could provide really good growing seasons and increased food production in Scotland; however, there will be an increased risk of the opposite as well, particularly with challenging sowing and harvest weather. The climate is becoming less stable, so weather patterns of the past are a much poorer indication of what is to come."

Charlie and Johnny McCririck, who farm arable land at Whitmuirhaugh Farm near Kelso, described how climate change has been affecting the southeast of Scotland. They stated: "We have certainly experienced contrasting drought throughout the summer months, yet come August and September, we encounter flooding which affects our harvest. We understand weather often characterizes extremities, but that's not the worst part; it becomes problematic when these severe weather conditions hold on for a month or longer, that's when it causes problems."

Meanwhile, Neil MacLeod from Southesk Farm Estates near Brechin manages 1600 hectares of farmland; he emphasizes the effects of Storm Babet during October 2023. He explained: "We have witnessed severe damage following Storm Babet, mostly through flooding but also high winds damaging ten of our sheds." "Additionally, 12 tenanted properties were submerged following Storm Babet, some in depths of as much as 36 inches of water."

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan has acknowledged the immediacy of the climate emergency. She said: "These findings underline that the climate emergency is not a distant threat – it is with us today. Storms have battered Scotland in recent months, and 2023 has been the hottest year on record. "We are making Scotland more resilient to flooding, providing £150 million of extra funding, on top of our annual £42m funding, for flood risk management over the course of this Parliament and consulting on a new Flood Resilience Strategy in the new year."

Research delivered to the Scottish Government encompasses two reports: Climate Trends and Future Projections in Scotland and Climate Extremes in Scotland.