A West Lothian councillor has expressed skepticism about global warming after experiencing cold and rainy weather in June. Conservative Alison Adamson raised the issue during a meeting of the Environment and Sustainability PDSP, held on a blustery and showery day in Livingston.
Europe's Warming Trend
Roisin Urquhart, a climate change officer with the council, presented the quarterly climate change update. The report highlighted that Europe is the fastest warming continent on Earth, warming at more than twice the global average rate. At least 95% of Europe experienced above-average temperatures in 2025, with sub-Arctic regions like Norway, Sweden, and Finland recording record heatwaves.
The report noted that changing weather patterns and reduced pollution, allowing greater solar penetration in northern Europe, are key causes. The Arctic region is also warming rapidly.
Councillor's Concerns
Councillor Adamson stated, “In the middle of June I’m absolutely frozen and I’m still wearing a winter jacket. So global warming I’m finding great difficulty with. I’m sure other people are too.” She added that her phone showed 11 degrees Celsius, feeling like 7 degrees. She questioned global warming, saying she has noticed it getting colder in summer locally.
Adamson also remarked that weather forecasts are more detailed but less accurate, and the weather more erratic. She acknowledged that West Lothian and Scotland are doing more to reduce climate damage but expressed frustration that those doing the right things are not seeing benefits.
Response from Colleagues
Councillor Susan Manion, Labour, emphasized that climate change is about extremes, not just heat. “It’s about the extremities of both, more water and rain. We really need to be clear about what global emissions are,” she said. She highlighted impacts in southern UK, such as drought and extreme heat, and referenced communities worldwide forced to relocate due to climate change.
