Thread by @EdinburghWH, We're live discussing Edinburgh's Climate Emergency with @AnnaBeswick @ewan

We're live discussing Edinburgh's Climate Emergency with @AnnaBeswick @ewan_hyslop @adamrmcvey and Fiona Rankin from @EdinburghWH.

You can still join us here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86286813022?pwd=c1Z3YU9HT1FUa0tNaWVwS05XUFBUZz09

#ScotClimateWeek

Questions can be put to the panel via the Q&A but you can also send us questions here #scotclimateweek

Kicking things off with an excellent summary of what we've seen so far in terms of the impact of climate change from @AnnaBeswick and @ewan_hyslop, and a breakdown of what that means for the historic environment from Fiona Rankin.

@adamrmcvey bringing in concerns over how this will impact the economy - climate change affects, and will continue to affect, all parts of our lives. Plus discussion on mitigating measures being considered by @Edinburgh_CC #ScotClimateWeek

And @AnnaBeswick helpfully explaining the difference between 'mitigation' and 'adaptation.'

Mitigation is about taking actions that limit and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted.

Adapting is about facing the reality that our climate is already changing, and these changes are irreversible. We want to ensure that we can face up to the inevitable, investing wisely and planning for today's climate, not yesterday's. #ScotClimateWeek

Lots of questions coming in on the importance of maintenance - Fiona Rankin calling for more work on this front. A quick walk around the city will show you how far behind we are in caring for our existing buildings.

Maintenance is the very first step!

Our traditional buildings are inherently sustainable says Fiona - they can be easily adapted and upgraded to save energy. @ewan_hyslop: the historic environment is "right at the heart" of addressing climate change.

@adamrmcvey: there are challenges and opportunities to working in a historic environment. Everybody falls in love with our city centre and we have to find the right solutions that work for Edinburgh.

On how we find the right balance when approaching change in the historic environment, Fiona Rankin doesn't see adaptation and traditional buildings as working against one another. @AnnaBeswick echoes this - "moving out of silos" a key part of getting interventions right.

@AnnaBeswick "We need to have these difficult conversations...but Edinburgh's historic environment is part of what makes this city resilient." #ScotClimateWeek

@ewan_hyslop reminding us that traditional buildings have evolved to suit our needs as modern people before - think of plumbing, heating. Historic places are part of our culture. It's about understanding these values, and "not throwing the baby out with the bath water."

On what people can do to help, @adamrmcvey says "the only constant is change." We need support from everyone to help manage this, to take responsibility, to be proactive.

Talking about Edinburgh's carbon neutral by 2030 target, it may not feel like a long way away, but it is when you consider the number of interventions even just one building or one individual could take. We are not talking just about tech advances - think active travel.

@AnnaBeswick mentioning @EdinburghWH and @AdaptationScot colleagues working on a climate risk assessment for the World Heritage Site and how this will help us understand what effect climate change will have on people and businesses.

@ewan_hyslop there are a lot of lessons to learn from other places. We are taking a "fabric first" approach - so before you change a building, what actions can you take to make it more energy efficient?

"I will forever talk about maintenance." Rather than throwing solar panels around, get your property in order. Just like brushing your teeth!

@adamrmcvey tackling the question on how renters can approach maintenance, and talks about bringing in much stronger regulation for short-term accommodation to encourage more committed landlords and tenants who can support each other.

On how the city's public spaces will be affected by climate change, Fiona Rankin explains that the existing design of the city has allowed for many parks and gardens which act as heat sinks to help keep the temperature of the city down as the global temperature rises.

Important to remember to incorporate parks and gardens as we build new areas.

A great question on how to live with draughty New Town windows from Ewan in the Q&A. Fiona Rankin explains that you *can* have them draught-proofed, install or repair shutters, curtains or blinds. You can also install secondary glazing (another window on the inside).

Thank you so much to all our speakers this evening @AnnaBeswick @ewan_hyslop @adamrmcvey and Fiona. #ScotClimateWeek. Our Director @crm_sinclair highlighting how we all seem to be "singing from the same hymn sheet."

Don't forget this event will be available to view for free soon

Now available for catch-up (or re-watch) viewing on our YouTube channel:

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