Park's carbon footprint examined

Park authority staff and researchers from the Macaulay Institute are investigating what volume of harmful gases are generated within the area.

The results of the studies expect to be available by June.

Climate change is due to be discussed by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) board on Friday.

An hour-and-a-half will be set aside for members to look at existing projects and policies concerned with global warming, but also to discuss how the CNPA may have to adapt.

In a paper written for the meeting the park's integrated land management officer, Fiona Chalmers, said more staff may need to be employed to co-ordinate new schemes.

Snow sports

Her document warns of an impact on the area's rare arctic-alpine habitats.

She added: "The impact on the social and economic fabric of the park will also be affected through changes to the snow sports and wider tourism industry, higher costs of fossil fuels, shifts in human health profiles, changes in supply-chains for goods, agricultural practices and land use."

However, she said the park could play a leading role in using and developing energy efficiency and raising the profile of how people and businesses will have to change lifestyles to help combat climate change.

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