Climate change target is met for a third year

SCOTLAND has met its annual climate change target for the third consecutive year, new figures show.

Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 49 per cent from 1990 to 2016, and were down 10.3% from 2015, according to the data.

The adjusted figure for 2016, which takes account of Scotland’s participation in EU emissions trading and is used for reporting against targets, showed a drop of 45.2% from the 1990 baseline, but a 2.5% increase from 2015.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 set a fixed annual target for 2016 of 44.933 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent, which has been met.

The Scottish Government said the latest figures show Scotland is set to exceed its current 2020 target to reduce emissions by at least 42% on baseline levels.

Ministers announced last month that they intend to set a further target to reduce emissions by 90% by 2050.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “These statistics are hugely encouraging and show we have almost halved the greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland underlining our role as an international leader in the fight against climate change.

“We all have a role to play in that fight and I want to thank the households, communities and businesses who are working hard every day to reduce their own emissions.

“But we must go further and faster if we are to meet our responsibilities to our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

“Our ambitious Climate Change Bill will ensure we do exactly that paving the way towards net-zero emissions as soon as possible.”