Edinburgh is better prepared to cope with the effects of climate change thanks to progress made against a citywide action plan.
The first annual update on the Council’s Climate Ready Edinburgh Implementation Plan was presented to councillors today (26 May).
Developed with partners, including Scottish Water, Edinburgh World Heritage and NatureScot, the two-year plan was agreed last March. It includes 125 actions required to deliver on the overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan, which sets out the strategic approach needed to make sure that Edinburgh can adapt and respond locally to the risks and impact of climate change.
Today’s update shows the positive progress made in the 12 months to March 2026, with 15 of the actions complete and 83 in progress and on track.
These include:
Three new parks – Mill Lane Park, North Junction Street Park and Dalmeny Street Park – established in Leith as part of Edinburgh’s Nature Network – as part of a more strategic approach to manage, restore and enhance Edinburgh’s urban landscape. The new parks are vibrant community spaces, where both wildlife and people can thrive.
Delivery of a Climate Ready Craigleith project at Orchard Park to tackle frequent flooding of properties and streets. The project includes new sustainable drainage systems to help reduce flooding issues and increase biodiversity, alongside changes to the wider environment creating a pleasant place for people and wildlife.
A new cross-boundary river partnership for the Gogarburn area and progress of the Restore the Burn project. Addressing the impact that pollution, flooding and erosion have had on local communities, as well as the wildlife that lives along the burn, including an improved Active Travel Network and better-connected habitats with improved wildlife and biodiversity along the river corridor.
Production of new Edinburgh Design Guidance embedding climate adaptation, green-blue infrastructure and the nature crisis into how new development is shaped across the city. The guidance includes a focus on making sure that planning focuses on net zero, nature-positive places designed to limit greenhouse emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher said:
We’re already seeing the impacts of a changing climate in Edinburgh, with more frequent severe storms causing flooding, damage to buildings and disruption to travel.
We knew when we declared a climate emergency that we had to act quickly, both in terms of tackling the causes but also taking steps to prepare for the inevitable changes to the weather. We also knew we couldn’t do it alone and we needed the help of other city organisations – and our residents – to make a meaningful difference.
I’m pleased, then, that we set the ambitious goals that we did, and that we’re now making good progress on delivering against our plans. As set out in this first annual update, we’ve completed a range of projects and initiatives that will make a real difference to communities in Edinburgh, while ensuring we’re better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Simon Parsons, Director of Wastewater at Scottish Water, said:
We are already seeing the impacts of climate change across Scotland and adapting how we manage water and drainage is a critical part of being climate ready.
We’re proud to be working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and others to support delivery of the Climate Ready Edinburgh Implementation Plan, particularly through work to improve surface water management and reduce flood risk.
Collaborative action is vital in ensuring we build resilience, protect communities and create wider environmental benefits and this first year of progress is an important foundation for the long-term work needed to prepare the city for a changing climate.
