CMAL Joins Landmark Climate Resilience Agreement to Safeguard Scotland’s Infrastructure
CMAL is proud to be among more than 20 organisations uniting to strengthen Scotland’s infrastructure against the growing impacts of climate change.
The newly formed Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland (C.R.I.S.) Forum, co-founded by Network Rail, Scottish Water, and SP Energy Networks, represents a significant step forward in collaborative climate adaptation.
On 7 May 2025, members of the Forum signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding, committing to work together to build resilience across Scotland’s critical infrastructure.
This agreement comes in response to increasingly frequent and severe weather events, rising temperatures, and shifting rainfall patterns that are already affecting the nation’s roads, railways, ports, and public services.
C.R.I.S. will focus on sharing best practices in climate risk assessment, improving understanding of interdependencies between infrastructure systems, and delivering interventions aligned with the Scottish Government’s National Adaptation Plan. Membership is open to all infrastructure operators and owners in Scotland, both public and private.
Ruth Rice, CMAL’s Environmental and Sustainability Manager, said:
“Combined, the members of C.R.I.S. have a wealth of experience in climate change risk and adaptation. It is exciting to work with members to develop and share knowledge and better understand interdependencies to improve the climate resilience of Scotland’s infrastructure.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said:
“The challenge posed by climate change to our transport network is growing, with the threat of serious flooding and severe winds now an issue throughout the year. The impacts can range from landslides and damage to our roads and bridges, to causing challenging driving conditions for motorists on a more regular basis.
“The road and rail networks are vital parts of infrastructure that help keep Scotland moving, so it’s essential that we use all the tools and knowledge available to us to safeguard them as best we can in the face of our changing climate.
“I very much welcome the efforts of all the organisations who’ve signed up to this agreement to help protect Scotland’s vital infrastructure network.”
C.R.I.S. also includes organisations such as Transport Scotland, Scottish Canals, Scottish and Southern Energy, and Sustrans, with support from the Met Office, regional transport partnerships, and academic institutions.
CMAL is committed to playing an active role in this collaborative effort, ensuring that Scotland’s maritime infrastructure is prepared for the challenges ahead.
Learn more about C.R.I.S. and their work:
- Read the full Memorandum of Understanding
- See Network Rail’s full press release
- Learn about C.R.I.S. from Adaptation Scotland
- Read Adaptation Scotland’ climate change trends and projections
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