Well, will it affect me or not?

According to Huw Morris (Planning; 301009):

"The scientific evidence for climate change gets stronger by the week."

"Yet something is not right. Despite an Amazonian forest worth of reports, studies, documents, guidance, advice and media stories, the message is only partially getting through to many at the planning or development coalface. For some, it is not getting through at all. There is only so much that cheering from the sidelines can achieve. It is up to the players on the pitch."

What is the Scottish Government saying?

"The Scottish Government recognises that climate change will have far reaching effects on Scotland's economy, its people and its environment and is determined to play its part in rising to this challenge - and, through our strong action, influence other nations to do the same."

"Climate change is one of the most serious threats we face. Urgent action is needed to cut emissions which cause climate change. The Scottish Climate Change Bill will introduce a target to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, and a statutory framework to support delivery."

(Alex Salmond, First Minister September 2008)

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 contains the following text:

57 Duty to produce a land use strategy

• (1) The Scottish Ministers must, no later than 31 March 2011, lay a land use strategy before the Scottish Parliament.
  

• (2) The strategy must, in particular, set out—

• (a) the Scottish Ministers’ objectives in relation to sustainable land use;

• (b) their proposals and policies for meeting those objectives; and

• (c) the timescales over which those proposals and policies are expected to take effect.

How does this affect the preparation of the HwLDP and other LDPs in Highland?

I am off to find out.