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Land and Water Resource Management

Water Scarcity in Scotland: Future Impact for Distilleries and Agriculture

Research led by The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Aberdeen, and the British Geological Survey, highlights the increasing threat of water scarcity in Scotland due to climate change. Recently published in The Geographer (Winter 2024 edition, Adaption: Are we ready? And how far is it possible to adapt?), the study examines the potential impact on agriculture and distilleries.

Sharing Insights on Hydropower and Sediment Management

Great discussions were held this week at a hybrid hydro-sector dissemination event at the Advanced Research Centre (University of Glasgow), where Professor Richard Williams presented findings from the CREW project, “Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments.”

The team showcased their insightful project video, available here and also shared an infographic illustrating how river health relies on sediment flow (pictured).

The event also featured:

Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments

Hydro_impoundment_Photograph_courtesy_of_Richard_Williams

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Impoundments on rivers are often critical for purposes such as power generation and water supply yet they can also reduce or prevent the natural movement of sediment downstream. Accumulation of sediment behind an impoundment can pose a risk to its intended use and result in adverse ecological consequences downstream due to sediment not being naturally replenished. This project developed initiatives to raise awareness of the commercial and environmental risks associated with sediment discontinuity caused by impoundments.

Scotland Explores New Strategies to Monitor Freshwater and Wetland Ecosystems

Scotland Explores New Strategies to Monitor Freshwater and Wetland Ecosystems

A recent mid-project workshop has brought together leading experts to rethink how freshwater and wetland ecosystems are monitored across Scotland. The goal of this current CREW project is to create a more dynamic, resource-efficient approach to ecosystem health monitoring that aligns with Scotland’s commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

Understanding the relationship between water scarcity and land use in private water supply catchments – a review

Forest_landscape_windturbine_photograph_courtesy_JGeris

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This project aimed to compile an evidence base and offer recommendations informing policy and practice regarding how land use changes may impact the amount of water available to private water supplies (PWS). The focus was on the impacts to water availability from emerging land use trends of tree planting (afforestation and agroforestry) and wind farm development in Scotland.

Securing Scotland's Energy Future: The Crucial Role of Sediment Management in Hydropower

In line with the Scottish Government's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045, a new CREW project carried out by researchers at the University of Glasgow and CBEC eco-engineering is shedding light on sediment management in hydropower operations. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of sediment delivery to hydropower structures and explore the potential economic implications of these changes, particularly in the face of climate change.

Background and Scope

Water Scarcity in Scotland: Future Impact for Distilleries and Agriculture

A recent CREW project led by The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Aberdeen, and the British Geological Survey, highlighted a pressing issue for Scotland: the increasing likelihood and duration of water scarcity events due to climate change. This project, focused on the impact of these changes on three critical sectors—crop production, livestock farming, and distilleries.

The Crucial Role of Healthy Soils in Scotland's Economy: Costs and Mitigation Strategies

The Crucial Role of Healthy Soils in Scotland's Economy: Costs and Mitigation Strategies

Healthy soils are the backbone of many sectors within the Scottish economy, playing a vital role in improving crop yields, storing water to mitigate drought and flooding, and regulating water flow to rivers and lochs. However, when these soils are degraded, the impacts, both direct and indirect, can lead to significant costs for individuals, society, and the broader economy.

Assessing the socio-economic impacts of soil degradation on Scotland’s water environment

Swollen river with sediment. Photograph courtesy of Nikki Baggaley

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Scotland’s various policies to protect its soils from degradation create economic benefits. In this project the economic costs of soil degradation in Scotland were estimated. Using the best available data the impacts of soil compaction, sealing and contamination were assessed. The extent of these degradation processes was then used to calculate the costs across Scotland. Compacted soils can cost farmers £15 to £209 per ha in extra fuel use. The annual combined impact on crop yields and fuel use across Scotland is likely to cost between £25 million and £75 million.

Future Predictions of Water Scarcity in Scotland: Impacts to Distilleries and Agricultural Abstractors

River Feshie near Aviemore - Photo Credit: Paul Glendell

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Scotland’s climate is changing, and we expect to see further changes in seasonal precipitation patterns that may increase the frequency and severity of water scarcity conditions, including droughts. Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water scarcity and environmental stress (formally defined in Scotland as when river water levels are less than 5% of their normal flows, for more than 30 days). Overall, droughts are predicted to increase particularly in the eastern parts of Scotland.

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