Lesson 8: What’s the Impact in Scotland?
In July 2025, the highlands experienced a heatwave that saw temperatures over 32 degrees in Aviemore. This was only the 7th time such temperatures had been experienced since 1961 - That’s 64 years!
So how are these heatwaves affecting our communities?
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Wildfires
From January to May 2025 alone, there were 187 in Scotland. Since 2015, there have been a total of 547 wildfires in the Highland Council Area. The Cannich 2023 Megafire is a clear example here of just how intense they have become.
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Risk to life
Increased drowning risks due to more people being in the water, especially children and inexperienced people. Vulnerable people, older people and children can experience cardiovascular and respiratory issues due to the increased heat.
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Risk to food
Reduced crops due to droughts, because of less rainfall and increased temperatures.
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Risk to supply chain/transport
Public transport is affected due to infrastructure (for example, rail tracks buckling and overhead power lines sagging in extreme heat).