This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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One million tonnes down in a decade
18/07/2003
Emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland has fallen by
one million tonnes between 1990 and 2000, according to
recently released figures.
The information was included in the report,
Greenhouse gas inventories for England, Scotland,
Wales, and Northern Ireland 1990-2000,
which contains detailed information on greenhouse gas
emissions for all areas of the UK.
Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for the Environment and
Rural Development said:
"This report shows that Scotland is continuing to make
an important contribution to UK efforts to tackle climate
change. These latest figures show a further decline in
Scottish carbon emissions, which have now fallen one
million tonnes below 1990 levels.
"However we cannot be complacent and we will need to
keep up the momentum if Scotland is to play its full part
in efforts to halt the potentially devastating effects of
climate change.
"The Executive's
Scottish Climate Change Programme sets out the measures
that we are taking to encourage emissions reductions, but
so much more can be achieved if we all work together.
"Our
Do a little change a lot awareness campaign outlines very small actions that
everyone can take. These include switching off electrical
appliances, installing energy saving measures, walking
short journeys instead of driving and using public
transport. By following these simple guidelines we can all
contribute to reducing our impact on the environment."
Scottish greenhouse gas emissions fell from 20.1 million
tonnes of carbon (MtC) in 1999 to 19.8MtC in 2000.
In 1990 (the Kyoto base year), Scottish emissions were
20.8MtC. In the UK as a whole, emissions in 2001 were 12.3%
down against a Kyoto Protocol commitment to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% by 2008-2012.
The
Scottish Climate Change Programme, published in November 2000, contains measures in
devolved areas aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse
gases.
This programme contributes to the
UK Climate Change Programme published at the same time. The UK Programme contains
measures aimed at delivering the UK Kyoto commitment of a
12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-2012
and moving the UK as a whole toward the domestic goal of a
20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.