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As a teenager, I was exposed to the African droughts (and famines) of the 1970s & 1980s. These events showed me how societies were unprepared for extreme climate conditions and under threat.
It was obvious to me back then, and still is, that a scientific, rational approach to our relationship to nature could help us solve these problems. These ideas led me to a degree as a biologist, a doctorate and a career in research that took me all over the globe. I have had the opportunity to research and visit a vast array of ecosystems, from the Alaskan tundras down to the Amazonian forests.
I have learned about the remarkable interconnectedness between life and landscapes, plants, soils, land, atmosphere, water and energies in our biosphere. Over the course of my research career, I’ve witnessed and documented huge changes in our environment.
Today’s atmosphere has almost 20 percent more carbon dioxide today than it did in 1996 when I measured it in Alaska. The Brazilian rainforests that I studied in 1998 are now cleared.
My career began in ecology. I was one of the first to study pristine ecosystems. It was my goal to learn about natural processes and how they work. It seems strange that such an idea is still possible. Today, ecologists place human pressures at heart of much of the research they do.
Since 2000, I have been researching human-dominated ecosystems since my arrival in Edinburgh. Scotland – farms and forests.
My job as chief scientific adviser is to ensure that all environmental science used within Scottish Government is high quality, particularly about the role of nature in climate change and the future of farming and land use, and coordinates Scotland’s world-class research centres in environment, natural resources and agriculture to ensure their science is taken up and used by society.
The future of Scottish agriculture after Brexit is a crucial decision that must be made within the next few years. Government is concerned about both climate change and natural emergencies. These topics are well-researched. So, I have the opportunity to support the development effective policies to address the key environmental challenges of our times, and to map a route to a desirable and sustainable social and environmentally responsible future.
Our use of fossil fuels is causing climate change, which we know. Globally, we are seeing an increase in forest clearance and intensive management of our land and seas. We have to lighten humanity’s footprint on our planet so nature can continue to deliver us the services we take for granted: clean air, fresh water, fertile soils, food, natural fibre, wood, our iconic landscapes, beaches and forests to escape to. I want to be sure that Scotland sits within an environmental ‘safe operating space’, where our lives and economy can thrive.
On Scotland’s dashboard for safe operations, there are already warning lights for biodiversity loss, for air, soil and water pollution and for land system change. While some of these lights have been visible for decades, they are now flashing more frequently.
ScienceGlobal changes are already underway, and more are expected. Last year’s COP26 summit highlighted the challenges that we face in order to prevent dangerous climate change. The COP15 China global biodiversity conference will highlight the links between climate change, nature, and species. Poor land management is leading to the destruction of habitat diversity that species need.
But there are solutions. Currently many of Scotland’s extensive peatlands are degraded and emit carbon which warms the climate. There are ways to reduce the emissions of peatlands, such as rewetting. Science allows us to monitor biodiversity, identify its needs, and then assess whether our interventions are effective.
Science has been a major contributor to the conservation of red squirrels in Scotland and the reintroduction of sea eagles in Scotland. There are still many questions and challenges that science faces that I want to address.
Which trees should we plant and where? To maximise carbon stores and biodiversity How can we track the restoration of peat to ensure it stores carbon for many decades and increases biodiversity? How will climate change affect Scottish agriculture and what are the opportunities and dangers? How can we make our consumption more sustainable?
Research shows that increased forest planting and peat restoration are essential for reducing carbon emissions.
The targets for forest planting are being met, including the native species ratio, but the winter storms and intense storms will put pressure on the industry. Because this is a new industry, peatland restoration has been more challenging. Science can help us identify the best ways to restore our environment and the most important areas.
There are many great opportunities to train people in environmental jobs across Scotland.
Covid taught us the importance of having real-time scientific data about the state of infection, vaccinations, and variants. Likewise in tackling our environmental crises we need to focus now on setting up systems to provide data on the state of Scotland’s soils, water bodies, atmosphere, peatlands, trees and biodiversity. This information will enable policymakers and society alike to assess the success of our actions, and to adjust their plans accordingly.
Science, along with economic and sociological studies, is required to determine what a net zero Scotland in 2045 would look like in terms of wealth, and well-being. Although trade-offs will always be necessary, society can choose the scenario that is best for them. We can create the momentum for positive changes by understanding how we live in Scotland.
Professor Matthew Williams is the Scottish Government’s chief scientific adviser for environment, natural resources and agriculture
