Tag: climate change

UK supports global efforts to help communities save the ocean

New funding to protect the ocean and support communities most affected by climate change

Communities around the world will receive a £14 million UK funding boost to help protect the ocean and reduce poverty, Nature Minister Mary Creagh announced today (26 January).

The cash will support at least eight community-led projects under the second round of the pioneering Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme, helping people in developing countries on the frontline of climate change.

The grants will benefit those most affected by declining ocean health and climate change, with a strong focus on women, girls and marginalised communities, as well as backing projects that protect precious marine habitats.

One awardee in Ecuador, led by the Mare Nostrum Foundation, is working in partnership with University College London to install green LED lighting in fishing nets that can be seen by turtles, sharks, rays and whales but not by many fish, to prevent accidental capture by up to 73%.

Today’s awards build on the first round of funding, which has already protected and restored more than 93,000 hectares of key ecosystems – about the size of 130,000 football pitches.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “We’re leading efforts to put local people across the world at the heart of solutions to conserve the ocean they depend on for food, income and protection from extreme weather.

“These pioneering community-led projects will support the families hit hardest by climate change with lasting change, while helping to protect our global ocean for future generations.”

Jérémy Huet, conservation programme manager at Round 1 grant recipient Zoological Society of London, said: “A healthy ocean underpins our own wellbeing – so warming waters, pollution and the loss of underwater habitats put us all of risk.

“Last year we rang the alarm bells for coral reefs globally, so as we begin our second year with OCEAN working alongside communities in Mozambique, we’re delighted to see more investment into the ocean that we all rely on and the people at the frontline of protecting it.

“Community-led projects are at the heart of building a better future for people and nature, and every step we take to restore our ocean’s health matters.”

Further case studies

Saving nearly 1,000 double decker buses’ worth of plastic from the sea: Among the other awards, Eco Kolek will expand its inclusive waste recovery system to reach 12,000 households and small businesses across Puerto Princesa City and neighbouring island communities in the Philippines, diverting an estimated 1,100 tonnes of plastic away from landfill and the marine environment.

Solar powered recycling hubs: In the Philippines, Resiklo Machine Shop will roll out community-led, solar-powered recycling hubs that turn marine and household plastic waste into durable products for local use and sale, cutting pollution while creating more resilient local livelihoods.

Sustainable fishing: In Bangladesh, Badabon Sangho will support women-led fishing groups and cooperatives to restore habitats, promote sustainable fishing practices and strengthen marine protection, using proven community engagement methods alongside close work with public agencies and national-level advocacy.

Rising seas and storms put Scotland’s past at risk: Historic Environment Scotland calls for action

  • Scotland’s heritage is under threat: rising seas, heavier storms, and wetter winters are accelerating damage to historic sites and experts warn time is running out
  • From castles to coastal ruins, Scotland’s most iconic landmarks are facing a climate crisis and urgent action is needed to help protect them for future generations
  • Historic Environment Scotland (HES) proposes a long-term approach to adapting and managing Scotland’s historic places, objects and archival records in draft strategy
  • Public invited to share views before consultation closes on 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is warning that some of Scotland’s most historically significant heritage properties are being affected by accelerating climate change.

Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and temperature variability, are creating more water ingress and placing additional stress on historic masonry. Scotland’s average temperature over the last decade was 1°C warmer than the 1961 to1990 baseline, and winters were 25% wetter, intensifying the processes that crack and erode masonry. Future projections from Adaptation Scotland suggest typical winters could be warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier, increasing risks of drought and wildfires.

Sea levels will continue to rise, and long-term projections show coastal flooding and erosion will intensify, threatening sites such as Skara Brae and Blackness Castle. Dynamic Coast research (2021) estimates that coastal erosion could put around £1.2 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk along Scotland’s shores over the next 25 years.

Climate projections also indicate intense, heavy rainfall events will increase in both winter and summer, raising the risk of flash floods and structural damage.

Changing weather patterns may accelerate decay in masonry buildings, while more variable and extreme weather will bring frequent storms and unpredictable conditions, disrupting access and increasing emergency repairs to buildings.

2025 has seen the highest number of weather-related site closures and access restrictions at HES properties in the past decade, with 281 so far this year.

HES is highlighting the huge challenges posed by the increasing rate and impact of climate change on heritage sites across Scotland as it seeks the public’s views on plans for the long-term management of the places and items it cares for. The organisation is actively identifying solutions for managing these challenges, which are set out in its draft Properties and Collections Strategy.

The organisation is calling on more people across the country to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 January 2026. People are being asked to express their views on the proposed plans and changes to how HES could operate and manage the 300+ historic places, 43,000 objects, and 5 million archival records in its care.

HES is proposing to strengthen its response in the face of the accelerating impact of climate change, including a combination of management approaches to help mitigate its effects. As well as suggesting testing “innovative solutions,” the organisation has suggested its conservation principles must be more pragmatic, including necessary interventions as appropriate to further build resilience, such as interventions at wall heads, reinstatement of roofs and other water-shedding elements that may provide positive long-term outcomes.

According to Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, specialists are already witnessing a shift in the type and scale of challenges facing historic sites: “Unroofed historic sites, like many of our properties in care, are more susceptible to the effects of climate change as they no longer shed water effectively, putting them at higher risk.

“More frequent and intense storms mean more emergency repairs and structural monitoring, while temperature variations lead to higher risk of mould or issues from humidity. It’s not a question of what climate change is doing to our historic environment, but how fast it’s happening.

“We know that we need to use the latest data we have to understand the full extent of current and future climate change impacts on our sites and crucially, use these to inform our long-term decisions.”

Recognising the importance of planning its response to climate change now, HES is currently consulting on its draft Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship.

In it, HES sets out proposed plans on how it will:

  • Focus care on the places and objects that need it most and have the greatest potential to help people and communities.
  • Make decisions based on evidence, expert advice, including public input.
  • Work with others to protect and use these places in ways that benefit everyone.
  • Respond to climate change and rising costs with practical, long-term planning.
  • Support traditional skills and local jobs.
  • Improve access, learning, and visitor experiences.

HES says the long-term priorities of the strategy are focusing on the cultural assets in its care that have both the greatest conservation need and the greatest potential to make a difference to people and place, ensuring Scotland’s most significant cultural assets in a national context are conserved and sustainably managed for future generations. Public feedback through the consultation will help refine and shape the final version of the Properties and Collections strategy.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the final strategy: “Our historic environment is a huge part of what makes Scotland so special.

“We already know that we need to take action to protect it for future generations, but we need input from people across Scotland to help us identify what we should prioritise and ensure our strategy reflects the needs of local communities.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone – whether they work in the heritage sector or simply feel an affinity with Scottish culture – to take part in our consultation.

“We have small window of opportunity to find ways to shape a new, positive future for the properties and collections. We want to hear from people about how we face up to the huge challenges we face, but also how we grasp positive opportunities. Your voice matters to us. Now is the time to make it heard.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Climate Action Secretary at COP30

SCOTLAND’s Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will continue to push for more ambitious climate action when she attends the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Brazil this month.

In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin’s schedule will include engagements with member representatives from both organisations  – to help strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.

Ms Martin will also:  

  • Share learning from Climate Justice Fund programmes, including the often-overlooked non-economic impacts of climate change, such as loss of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge
  • Take part in panel sessions on climate justice and human mobility with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
  • Meet with youth activists and civil society partners from the global south, including participants in Climate Just Communities Programmes, to hear first-hand how they are being impacted by climate change

Ms Martin said: “We have a unique opportunity as Under2 European co-chair and Regions4 president, to champion the essential work taking place across the globe to support vulnerable communities who are at most risk from the impacts of climate change.

“I will continue to use these leadership positions at COP30 to advocate for accelerated action to tackle the devastating impacts of our warming planet, and for greater inclusion in international climate discussions.  

“Scotland’s commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest is ambitious, but it is achievable. We will shortly be publishing our draft Climate Change Plan setting out the policies needed to meet our first three carbon budget targets, while supporting people to adjust to the changes required.”

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) Advocacy and Communications Manager Line K. Christensen said: “It is vital that Scotland has a strong voice at COP30.

“The challenges we face are global, and Scotland’s presence ensures that our values of innovation and climate justice are part of the international conversation.

“The Cabinet Secretary’s participation will allow Scotland to continue its leadership on Loss and Damage, and to demonstrate that we are a nation standing shoulder to shoulder with countries around the world on the frontline of the climate crisis.” 

Greater urgency needed to tackle flooding in Scotland’s communities

Whilst some public bodies and councils are working well together to tackle flooding, they face gaps in leadership, skills and data, and there is uncertainty about funding. This is limiting what can be achieved and opportunities to maximise the benefit of money spent are being missed.

Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of flooding in Scotland, with almost 400,000 properties potentially at risk by 2080. But there is a risk that the action needed to prevent and tackle the already clear harms of flooding won’t happen at the scale and speed needed.

With the Scottish Government placing much more emphasis on flood resilience, there remain multiple barriers to effective collaboration across the public sector and to support communities. There is a lack of clarity in roles, responsibilities and funding. More also needs to be done to support communities to prepare for, and recover from, flooding.

The process for allocating funding for major flood schemes is currently not fit for purpose. Existing major flood schemes are taking longer to complete, with expected costs more than doubling to over £1 billion. This means that fewer homes and communities are protected than originally expected.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland said: “The Scottish Government and other public bodies must urgently address critical gaps in roles, responsibilities, information and data. Failing to do this risks ambitions to build communities that can better withstand and recover from flooding.

“Whilst there are good examples of the Scottish Government collaborating with councils, communities and other public bodies, this isn’t sufficient given the scale of future risks.

“It is vital that greater certainty and clarity about the funding available for major flood schemes is provided, with costs and impacts managed and measured, and national agreement on collaborating and engaging with communities secured.”

Andrew Burns, Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “Communities are at the heart of future flood resilience. Whilst there are good examples of the work councils are doing, they face significant challenges. There are gaps in the data they need, uncertainty over funding and a shortage of skilled staff.

‘There are inconsistencies in the advice, money and support to enable communities to become both more resilient to flooding events and recover more quickly.

“These challenges need to be addressed by both local and national government.”

£110,000 boost powers grassroots climate action in Edinburgh

A funding boost of £110,000 has been awarded to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) to support its continued work as a Climate Action Hub – helping communities across the capital tackle climate change and build local resilience.

Mark Dowey, Network Lead, ECCAN, said “Community climate action depends on accessible funding. In Edinburgh,  ECCAN member groups undertake substantive and transformative work in their communities – improving their lives and places through a front-foot, can-do attitude in the face of the climate emergency. As Edinburgh’s Climate Hub, we are delighted to support them to deliver this meaningful change with our Greenlight seedgrant funding. 

“Thank you to Foundation Scotland who have now almost doubled the amount available via Greenlight in 2025-26. This increase in funding will make a real difference across the city – delivering worthwhile climate action projects by the community, for the community.

“Please join ECCAN and apply to Greenlight to fund your community climate project”

The award is part of a wider £500,000 investment by Foundation Scotland to five Community Climate Action Hubs across central Scotland, including those in Glasgow, Forth Valley, Dundee and East Dunbartonshire.

Scotland’s 24 Climate Action Hubs, supported by the Scottish Government, aim to empower local communities to lead climate action at a local level – providing tailored support, funding opportunities and access to expertise.

Through growing climate literacy, social confidence and practical life skills such as cooking, repairing, growing and sharing, they help build more capable and sustainable communities.

The Scottish Government has already allocated £5.5 million across 2024-2025 to support this network of regional community climate action hubs. Foundation Scotland’s funding will help hubs like ECCAN further enable a shift from short-term project cycles to building longer-term resilience in central Scotland.

It will support hubs to distribute more grants to grassroots groups, so that communities gain the tools, knowledge, and financial support needed to drive meaningful climate action from the ground up. 

Awards made:

  • Edinburgh: £110,000 to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) 
  • Glasgow: £110,000 to the Glasgow Climate Action Hub partnership
  • Forth Valley: £80,000 to FEL Scotland
  • East Dunbartonshire: £50,000 to Twechar Community Action, for an outreach officer employed until March 2027
  • Dundee: £55,000 to Dundee Changemakers Hub

Foundation Scotland is also providing £95,000 to support the development of a multi-hub climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. 

FEL Scotland will act as a lead partner, coordinating spend and learning and sharing this across the national network. This includes working with other Climate Hubs to support the development of a climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. £95,000 has been allocated for this work.

Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland said: “We know that in face of the continuing climate emergency we all need to take action to increase resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. That’s why Growing Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Environments is one of Foundation Scotland’s impact themes.

“Providing this funding to five of central Scotland’s climate hubs will enhance their ability to respond to increasing demand and interest from communities to take action to tackle climate change locally. We’re looking forward to hearing how this funding helps with that.”  

Clara Walker, Executive Director at FEL Scotland said: “We are grateful to Foundation Scotland for this investment, which complements existing Scottish Government funding and supports a crucial step forward for a number of Climate Action Hubs in central Scotland.

“Importantly, this funding enables us to explore and share learning across the wider network of 24 hubs, helping us understand how community funding can be scaled to create the most positive impact – particularly for the communities that need it most.”

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Established by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Climate Hubs play an influential role in their local communities, and provide valuable support and inspiration for people looking to take climate action.

“This funding from Foundation Scotland will support grassroot activity through five of our hubs – making a huge difference to people who want to make a positive change in their communities.

“It is a fantastic endorsement of the work carried out by Climate Hubs across the country and their ability to support and drive local change.”

Views sought on proposals for protecting Scotland’s environment

Draft plan to tackle nature loss, climate change and pollution

Members of the public are being asked to have their say on proposals aimed at boosting the health, prosperity and wellbeing of communities by improving Scotland’s environment.

The draft Environment Strategy sets out the opportunities for strengthening Scotland’s economy and improving people’s lives as a result of restoring and regenerating biodiversity, cutting levels of pollution and waste, supporting national net zero targets and improving Scotland’s environmental impact on countries across the world.

It includes key government actions which aim to support green jobs and industries, tackle poverty and promote social justice including:

  • the transition to a circular economy through the reuse and repurposing of materials
  • increasing renewable energy generation in Scotland and supporting industrial decarbonisation with independent scenarios from Ernst and Young (EY), showing that with the right support, Scotland’s low carbon and renewable energy sector could support nearly 80,000 jobs by 2050
  • projects to restore nature – including those supported through the Nature Restoration Fund – which are also improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing by providing greater access to nature

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “This draft Environment Strategy sets out ways in which Government action will help tackle the nature crisis, as well as reduce pollution and support our net zero targets.

“These issues are interlinked, and by tackling them together we can protect our planet in ways that improve people’s health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and create new opportunities for business and investment.

“We have already made significant progress in improving Scotland’s environment. We have cut pollution levels by banning a number of the most problematic single-use plastic products and introduced Low Emission Zones.

“Scotland’s energy grid is also greener, thanks to the increase in the amount of renewable energy we now generate, we are more than halfway to reaching net zero by 2045, and our forthcoming Natural Environment Bill will introduce new statutory targets for restoring nature. 

“However there is still much more we can do – and it is vital we tackle these global crises in ways that create wider benefits for Scotland – supporting green jobs and industries, improving people’s health, tackling poverty and promoting social justice.

“I urge everyone with an interest to have their say on the proposals.” 

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said: “This draft Strategy shows how we can achieve both our environmental and our economic ambitions for Scotland, highlighting the business and investment opportunities that will flow as we move to a net zero, nature positive future.”

Rain but not recovery – water scarcity concern remains for much of Scotland

Following rainfall at the beginning of the week, some parts of Scotland have seen temporary improvements in water conditions. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that parts of the country, particularly in the east, remain under pressure.

Most of the East Coast from Moray and Aberdeenshire down to the Borders remains at Moderate Scarcity.

The rain has improved ground conditions and permitted widespread recovery in the west. In the south-west, the river catchments of the Almond, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. It has also caused a similar recovery in the Almond catchment further east.

To the north, the Leven (Dunbartonshire), Loch Fyne, the Argyll coast, Loch Linnhe, the Lochy (Invernessshire), Loch Shiel, Loch Alsh and Loch Maree have all recovered and are now in Early Warning alongside the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The Awe and Etive area has recovered from Alert to Normal Conditions, due to the heaviest rain falling here.

The rest of Scotland remains at Alert.

Scotland experienced a drier than average autumn, winter and spring, leaving many rivers and aquifers struggling to recharge. Even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places.

The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) forecast we would see hotter drier summers, heavier but more unpredictable rainfall and growing pressure on water resources. This is part of a long-term shift, and Scotland is already seeing the changes the climate models predicted.

Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance (National) from SEPA said: “We’ve had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery. There has been some relief in parts of the West, for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. It’s a complex picture, and while we welcome signs of recovery in some areas, most of the East Coast continues to experience water stress.

“Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference.

“SEPA continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity.

“Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy – but we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.

“Balancing economic and environmental needs is at the heart of our role as a regulator. If restrictions are put in place, they will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible. But we will act where necessary to protect the water environment because it underpins Scotland’s economy, communities and way of life.”

SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to continue using water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA’s website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.

  • In Early Warning areas conditions are dry but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action.
  • In Alert areas water levels are low. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
  • In Moderate Scarcity areas there are clear environmental impacts. Action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.

Prolonged dry conditions increase water scarcity across Scotland

Scotland’s water scarcity situation is worsening, with a further decline in river levels following another dry week and only limited rainfall forecast in the days ahead. 

This week’s Water Situation Report, published online by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that six additional river catchments have moved to Moderate Scarcity. 

The addition of the Tay, Spey, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree brings the total number of river catchments now at Moderate Scarcity to 17. This covers the east coast Aberdeenshire down to the Scottish Borders and across the south of the country to Dumfries & Galloway.  

While rain is forecast this weekend and the start of next week, it will not reverse the effects of weeks of dry conditions. Some parts of Fife have seen no measurable rain for over a month, and many rivers remain at record lows. The River Tilt in Tayside is at its lowest flow in 34 years of records, and the River Spey has seen its lowest May flow since records began in 1952. 

What do Scotland’s water scarcity levels mean? 

  • Early Warning: conditions are drying but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action. 
  • Alert: water levels are falling, and SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use. 
  • Moderate Scarcity:  there is clear environmental impact, and action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them. 

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “Some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers are at record lows, and the environmental impacts are clear. A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather. We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. 

“It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Fife has had no significant rain for over a month and groundwater levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. So, we’re seeing some quite significant issues coming.  

“I’m urging anyone who has a licence from SEPA to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently.

“If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we’ll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.

“The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.”  

Advice for abstractors 

In Moderate Scarcity areas, active steps must be taken now to reduce water use and protect the environment. 

SEPA is urging all abstractors across Scotland to: 

  • Check abstraction licences and comply fully with all conditions, including hands-off flows. 
  • Switch to alternative sources (where possible). 
  • Plan and collaborate with neighbours to minimise pressure on the environment.  
  • Voluntarily reduce non-essential use in Alert areas. 

Environmental risks from first rainfall 

There is some rain in the forecast, and following dry weather, heavy rainfall can cause sudden changes in water quality. The first rainfall after a dry period can rapidly wash pollutants from roads and land into rivers, creating a short-term shock that ecosystems struggle to absorb. This is a known risk for fish deaths and is a stark reminder of how fragile river systems can be after an extended dry period.  

Anyone concerned about a fish kill should report it to SEPA as soon as possible via sepa.org.uk/report so officers can investigate and ensure there is not an ongoing pollution incident. 

Continued national engagement 

SEPA will continue to work closely with sectors that rely on Scotland’s rivers, including agriculture, hydropower and industry, to help them respond to the challenges of this water scarcity season.  

For regular updates, advice and the latest water scarcity report, visit: 

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity 

FROM STEM TO THE SEA: Scottish charities benefit from share of £1.2m Scottishpower Foundation fund

Seven Scottish charities are set to receive a share of funding pot of over £1.2 million from the ScottishPower Foundation.

From environmental conservation to helping to provide education and opportunities to those in need, the projects, along with thirteen other charities in England and Wales, will receive a funding boost to empower them to continue to support the local environment and the communities they serve. 

Aberdeen Science Centre’s ‘Sustainable Superstars’ is set to benefit from funding. The soon-to-launch project is designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable for all to inspire a lifelong passion for science.

The new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ will take interactive climate change lessons to 30,000 people in communities across North East Scotland within some of the most deprived Scottish neighbourhoods.

Exploring topics like sustainable travel, fashion and food as well as carbon emissions, the project seeks to inspire children and adults to embrace innovation for a greener future.

Bryan Snelling, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “As a STEM education charity that aims to inspire the next generation and instil a lifelong interest in science, we are always looking for fresh and creative ways to reach our audiences.

“We are very grateful to the ScottishPower Foundation for this funding, with our team busy developing activities for our new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’, which will help to educate and inform participants.”

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Aberdeen Science Centre’s ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ is an excellent community-based project that will inspire the next generation of STEM experts, helping pupils in the north east to get a better understanding of how each and every one of us can make a difference to our global climate challenges.

We’re always looking to back organisations we feel will drive positive and lasting change across the UK and believe this year’s funded projects play a crucial role within our society – tackling some of the toughest challenges faced by communities across the country. We’re inspired by volunteers and charity workers doing incredible things in these communities and we can’t wait to see the extraordinary things they achieve this year.”

Another project receiving a share of the funding is Camphill Blair Drummond, an organisation providing residential places and day service activities for adults with learning disabilities. The ScottishPower Foundation’s funding will support the renovation of its media studio to create a new space for filmmaking and recording with advanced equipment.

By equipping individuals with the skills required for potential employment or further study, the project hopes to foster confidence and creativity within the community. Additionally, the project plans to expand its learning disability film festival, celebrating diversity through the arts and giving a voice to the learning disability community within Scotland and beyond.

On the Isle of Mull, The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust has been a pioneering force for the conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in western Scotland for the past three decades.

The Trust will receive funding from the ScottishPower Foundation to support its latest initiative, Hebridean Marine Explorers: Connecting Scotland’s Seas and Communities.

Developed to inspire young people and local communities through unique outdoor education experiences and innovative co-design approach, the project comes complete with “floating classrooms” aboard the research yacht, Silurian.

The programme offers truly unique and immersive educational workshops where students can learn about marine life, conduct self-led research, and develop solutions to local environmental issues.

Additionally, a series of digital lessons will extend the project’s reach, fostering ocean literacy across Scotland and engaging a wider audience in marine conservation efforts.

Since 2013 the ScottishPower Foundation has donated over £15 million to more than 250 projects supporting people, communities and the environment. This year’s funding of over £1.2 million, aims to bolster projects focused on education, training, climate action, the arts and social initiatives that will make a real impact in their communities.

A full list of the 2025 ScottishPower Foundation funded projects are:

British-built satellite to map Earth’s forests in 3D for the first time

A satellite developed by British academics and engineers is set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth’s forests in 3D from space

The European Space Agency (ESA) Biomass Earth observation mission, which launched successfully from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana yesterday, aims to enhance our understanding of the world’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle.

The mission will use state-of-the-art radar technology to uncover new insights into forests, including their size and weight, and areas of deforestation.  

This work will be crucial to helping us understand how tropical forests are changing and provide critical data to understand the carbon cycle and help develop climate strategies. 

Biomass taking to the skies on 29 April 2025. Credit: ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. Martin

The concept was conceived in Yorkshire, at the University of Sheffield by Professor Shaun Quegan, working with the National Centre for Earth Observation in Leicester. Other academics from the University of Edinburgh and UCL have brought modelling and data assimilation expertise to the application of Biomass data.   

Since 2016 the UK has won almost £77 million in contracts for Biomass through its membership of ESA. 

Minister for Space Sir Chris Bryant said: “The Biomass mission showcases British ingenuity at its very best, from conception in Sheffield to construction in Stevenage.     

“Britain is not only stepping to the forefront of the space industry, but of global climate action too.

“Contributing to such great extent to a European mission set to deliver vital global results is testament to the UK’s industrial and academic expertise in space technology and will attract global investment into our vibrant space ecosystem, helping us boost growth and deliver our Plan for Change.”

Biomass was built by Airbus in Stevenage, UK. Credit: Airbus.

Shaun Quegan, University of Sheffield’s Professor and lead proposer of the mission concept to the European Space Agency, said: “It’s been a privilege to have led the team in the development of a pioneering mission that will revolutionise our understanding of the volume of carbon held in the most impenetrable tropical rainforests on the planet and, crucially, how this is changing over time.

“Our research has solved critical operational scientific problems in constructing the Biomass satellite.”

Conceived and built in the UK, Biomass is a brilliant example of what we can achieve in collaboration with our partners in industry and academia. The mission is the culmination of decades of highly innovative work in partnership with some of the best scientists in Europe and the US.   

Airbus UK is the Prime Contractor and has manufactured the satellite in Stevenage. Throughout construction, it has supported approximately 250 highly skilled jobs, benefitting the local economy and bolstering the UK’s 52,000-strong space workforce. 

Kata Escott, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in the UK, said: “Biomass is a groundbreaking mission that will advance our understanding of how carbon is stored in the world’s forests – delivering crucial data in the fight against climate change.

“With more than 50 companies involved across 20 nations, the team in Stevenage has shown exceptional leadership in delivering this flagship ESA mission.”

Many other businesses in the UK supply chain have contributed, including ABSL in Abingdon, which has provided the battery, European Astrotech UK in Westcott, which has provided test services, and Nammo, in Cheltenham, providing the service valves.

Its revolutionary technology will help scientists capture vital data on the changes to carbon in forests as ecosystems are increasingly impacted by deforestation. The satellite will create a 3D map of tropical forests after 17 months, then new (non-3D) maps every 9 months for the rest of the 5-year mission, providing insights normally hidden from human sight because of the difficulty in accessing these environments.   

Both deforestation, which releases carbon dioxide, and forest growth, which soaks up CO2 from the atmosphere, are crucial parts of climate change.  

Data on the biomass of tropical forests is very limited because they are difficult to access.     

The Biomass satellite will be able to penetrate cloud cover and measure forest biomass more accurately than any current technology, which only see the top of the canopy. By providing better data it will help create a more accurate global carbon budget and better understanding of carbon sinks and sources which will help in developing and implementing effective strategies to achieve net-zero goals.  

Observations will also lead to better insight into the rates of habitat loss and, as a result, the effect this may have on biodiversity in the forest environment.

   

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:  “The Biomass satellite represents a major leap forward in our ability to understand Earth’s carbon cycle.

“By mapping the world’s forests from space in unprecedented detail, it will provide critical insights into how our planet is responding to climate change — helping scientists, policymakers, and conservationists take informed action.  

“We’re proud of the leading role the UK has played in this important mission.”