Richard Dixon

Jun 19, 2024 | scotsman.com | Richard Dixon

Climate change could mean Scotland gets significantly colder, while the rest of the world heats up, writes Dr Richard DixonArctic air has meant June has been a little cool so far but last month was the warmest May ever recorded in Scotland in records which go back to 1884. High night-time temperatures pushed the average up so that it was 1.6C warmer than the previous warmest May in 2018 and 3.2C warmer than the long-term average for the month.

Jun 11, 2024 | scotsman.com | Richard Dixon

Scotland has a long-term goal to eliminate the impacts of INNS by 2045Recent reports at the Scottish and global levels reveal the scale of the threat to nature and the economy from invasive species, a threat that is only growing as our climate changes. An invasive non-native species (INNS) is defined as a species intentionally or unintentionally introduced outside its native range by human actions.

Jun 4, 2024 | scotsman.com | Richard Dixon

LEZs are not a complete answer but they are a big step in the right directionDespite a certain amount of nervousness and political parties playing games, the introduction of Scotland’s Low Emission Zones has gone well. This demonstrates that politicians can be bolder when introducing environmental measures. Glasgow has had an LEZ in operation for six years, and it has included cars for a year now. The city centre has not become a zombie wasteland.

May 29, 2024 | scotsman.com | Richard Dixon

With oil and potato prices soaring, a bag of chips could become a luxury dishIf you haven’t been bothered about climate change so far, perhaps food shortages and price hikes might get your attention. Surveys show that more than 75 per cent of the Scottish population are concerned about climate change. So what are the other 25 per cent thinking? They are apparently not worried about record temperatures around the globe. Or increasing floods, storms and droughts.

May 22, 2024 | scotsman.com | Richard Dixon

Despite good arguments against nuclear power, political parties are getting behind the idea of building more reactorsLast week’s surprise revelation that the UK Government is planning to build a new nuclear station in Scotland is perhaps not as unlikely as it seems. When Alister Jack said that the 2026 Scottish election could mean that the political climate for building new nuclear reactors in Scotland could be positive, he was widely condemned.