‘Scale of net-zero challenge is laid out’
GLASGOW “must accelerate” its attempts to decarbonise as a new report lays out the “scale of the challenge” faced by the city as it bids to be net-zero by 2030.
The latest available figures show Glasgow produces 2.69m tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, with transport, domestic energy and power for industry and commerce the big generators of emissions.
But, working from baseline figures set in 2006, the amount of carbon released into the city’s atmosphere each year has dropped by more than 1.5m tonnes, the most recent data, up to 2017, shows.
A report to be presented to councillors next week states this 37 per cent drop in emissions means Glasgow has exceeded its target of a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 production by 2020.
However, councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, believes, after the authority declared a climate emergency, work towards the 2030 net-zero target must speed up.
She said: “Glasgow very positive strides sustainable future.
“But the majority of carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for anything up to 200 years so every year we are adding significantly to the issue of climate change.
“We must accelerate the action we are taking to decarbonise our transport and energy use.”
Glasgow is the Scottish local authority with the third highest level of carbon emissions behind Falkirk and Fife.
Ms Richardson added: “The plans we put in place now are critical to the long term environmental and economic health of the city.”
Work to decarbonise the city includes increasing renewable energy production, developing district heating systems, increasing the use of sustainable transport and supporting a shift to electric vehicles. is making towards a