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Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2003

general

Population and Households: 1981-2014

Thousands

People and households are large consumers of energy and water resources, a demand that can put great strains upon the environment. The population of Scotland underwent a steady decline through most of the 1980s, followed by small increases in the seven years up to 1995. Since then, the population decreased to 5.05 million in 2002. The 2001-based projection ² is for the population to fall to 4.96 million by 2014. The slow but steady population decline reflects a combination of net migration losses and the increasing excess of deaths over births. This trend contrasts with the overall UK population, which is projected to increase by 4% between 2000 and 2014. ³

The number of households rose steadily by 319,000 (17%) between 1981 and 2000. Projections based on 2000 figures suggest that, by 2014, if past trends continue, the number of households in Scotland will reach 2.46 million. This will contribute significantly to the demand for housing, not all of which can be accommodated on previously developed land. An increase in the number of households will also cause greater consumption of many goods and services that tend to be used by households rather than individuals.

SOURCE: GROS, SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

Maintaining economic growth is an important aspect of sustainable development. A healthy economy leads to higher living standards and greater prosperity for individuals. It also helps businesses to be profitable, which generates employment and income.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is important in measuring the activity and strength of the economy. However, a high GDP does not necessarily imply an efficient use of resources.

Between 1974 and 2002 (similar points in the economic cycle), the Scottish GDP increased from 72.8 to 113.4, representing an average annual growth of 1.6%. The rate of growth has varied over the period 1974-2002. For example, between 1985 and 1990 and between 1995 and 2000 annual growth averaged 2.3% per year.

SOURCE: SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

GigaWatt hours

Energy consumption figures for Scotland are not available, but electricity consumption can be used as a proxy measure. Figures supplied by the electricity generating companies show that just under 50,000 GWh of electricity was generated in Scotland in 2000 and 2001. About 34,000 GWh (70%) of this electricity was consumed by customers in Scotland. With capacity exceeding demand, about 18% of the electricity generated in Scotland was transferred to England and Wales. A further 6,000 GWh were accounted for by transmission and distribution losses, pumped storage and own use, and major power producers purchases from other generators.

In 2000 and 2001, over 50% of the electricity generated in Scotland was produced by fossil fuel combustion, which emits large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The UK is committed to reducing emissions of GHGs under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Percentage

The combustion of fossil fuel, especially coal, is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is one of a basket of six greenhouse gases that the UK is committed to reduce under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

In 2000 and 2001, over 50% of electricity generated in Scotland was produced from fossil fuels. These figures may be higher than normal, due to the fact that refurbishment at nuclear plants meant that the nuclear sector generated less electricity than in previous years. To compensate, higher than usual amounts of coal were used to generate electricity.

Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases although its use raises other environmental issues, such as the long-term disposal of spent fuel. In 2000 and 2001, over a third of the electricity generated in Scotland came from nuclear fuel.

About 10% of the electricity generated in Scotland came from renewable sources (mainly hydroelectric). As part of the Climate Change Programme, the Scottish Executive is committed to generating 18% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and 40% by 2020.

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Million vehicle kilometres ⁸

The pollutants emitted by road transport contribute greatly to poor air quality that damages human and ecosystem health. Transport emissions also contain carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), which contribute to climate change. Leaded petrol was banned in the UK on 1 January 2000 as part of the European Strategy to reduce pollution from road traffic. A reduction in the volume of road traffic would also help to achieve reductions in GHG emissions and concentrations of atmospheric pollutants.

The volume of traffic on major roads (motorways and 'A' roads) in Scotland has increased by 66% since 1984. Major roads account for roughly two-thirds of the volume of motor traffic in Scotland. In addition, minor roads ('B', 'C' and unclassified) have approximately 14 billion vehicle kilometres of traffic per year. Cars account for roughly 80% of road traffic.

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT, SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE ⁹

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