Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by more than 15 per cent since 1990, according to latest data published today.

Emissions in Scotland fell by around 2.7 million tonnes from 17.6 million tonnes of carbon equivalent (MtC) in 1990 to 14.9 MtC in 2005, according to the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990-2005.

The report also shows there has been a 12.5 per cent fall in carbon dioxide emissions in Scotland, which is almost double that of the UK average decrease of 6.4 per cent.

Scottish emissions accounted for 8.3 per cent of UK net emissions in 2005, with the highest emitters being energy supply, transport and business. However, energy supply emissions have fallen by 10 per cent since 1990, and business emissions have fallen by 22 per cent, although transport emissions have risen by 11 per cent over the same period.

Speaking at a climate change conference in Edinburgh, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson said: “I am in no doubt about the scale of the challenge we face to combat climate change and cut emissions. This latest data illustrates the breadth and depth of action that is required.

“We all need to make efforts to cut energy and water use, reduce waste and reduce travel emissions. For our part, the Government will invest in public transport infrastructure and support actions to develop green and renewable energy technologies.

“Alongside this, we will consult on a Scottish Climate Change Bill, including a mandatory target to achieve an 80 per cent reduction in Scottish emissions by 2050. That will signal to the rest of the world the importance that Scotland's Government, and people, place on tackling climate change.”

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