ClimateXChange

ClimateXChange works proactively with the Scottish Government to deliver independent, reliable and accessible research that addresses specific climate policy challenges.

As a centre, ClimateXChange is flexible, practical and hands-on, engaging with science institutions nationally and internationally. It has specialists in Scotland’s leading research and higher education institutions, working across various topics, including:

• energy, transport and land use
• behaviour change and how to adapt to a changing climate
• policy assessments and evaluations

The centre’s ultimate aim is to improve public policy outcomes, which it does in two ways:

Multi-disciplinary research programme

ClimateXChange responds to questions and requests for evidence from the Scottish Government and its agencies, identifying upcoming evidence needs. It then plans its research and analysis to match policy timelines. The research programme is co-developed with policy colleagues. It delivers the following, and more:

• research syntheses
• desk reviews
• in-depth studies

Knowledge brokering

ClimateXChange brings together experts from across sectors, disciplines and institutions in order to generate the best evidence and research possible. It kick-starts knowledge exchanges and productive discussions in a number of ways, including workshops and seminars. By building relationships and communication channels, it gives Government policy-makers access to an extended research network.

“ClimateXChange exemplifies the partnership approach. It build on the strengths of each of its partners, ensuring that our response to climate change is based on the best possible scientific evidence.” Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy

A centre of expertise

ClimateXChange is one of four Scottish Government Centres of Expertise. The other three are CREW (Centre of Expertise on Waters), EPIC (Scotland’s Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks) and Scotland's Plant Health Centre. The four work jointly to:

• make sure policy-makers have easier access to research
• help prioritise scientific resources in line with society’s priorities
• create new partnerships between research institutes and universities

The key policies and initiatives for which ClimateXChange have recently delivered analysis and evidence:

• Climate Change Plan Update (CCPu): supported development of the update (published in December 2020) including research into uptake of electric vehicles; agricultural mitigation; and low-carbon industrial production.
• Green recovery and Covid-19: delivered research on travel behaviours and business recovery; communicating climate change after Covid; and development of 20-minute neighbourhoods.
• Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme (SCCAP) – continued to deliver research tasks identified in the programme, including on soil vulnerability and flood risk management.
• Scotland’s Energy Strategy: delivered research on grid-scale battery storage and on the implications for Scotland of operating a zero-carbon GB electricity network.
• Scotland’s Draft Heat in Buildings Strategy: delivered research on district heating and on public awareness of and attitudes to low-carbon heating technologies. Six other heat-related reports were close to completion at the year end.
• Scotland’s Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: provided research on aligning investment with Scotland’s climate goals.
• Scotland’s Draft Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change: provided a report on understanding and engaging the public on climate change.
• COP26: continued to support preparation for the climate summit.

CXC research also informed and supported the Scottish Government’s Bioenergy update; the Just Transition Commission’s final report; and reports from sectoral, farmer-led climate change groups set up to provide advice to the Scottish Government.

Find out more

Want to know more about ClimateXChange, or speak to the team there?