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Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2004

Population and Households: 1981-2016

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 5.055 million in 2002 and increased slightly to 5.057 million in 2003. The 2002-based projection ² is for the population to fall to 4.95 million by 2016. 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 2002 and 2016. ³

The number of households rose steadily by 319,000 (17%) between 1981 and 2000. Projections based on 2002 figures suggest that, by 2016, if past trends continue, the number of households in Scotland will reach 2.38 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 is also likely to result in greater demand for those goods and services that tend to be consumed on a household rather than an individual basis.

SOURCE: GROS, SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ⁴: 1970-2003

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 2003 (similar points in the economic cycle), the Scottish GDP increased from 65.6 to 105.2, representing an average annual growth of 1.6%. The rate of growth has varied over the period 1974-2003. For example, between 1995 and 2000 the annual growth rate averaged 2.1% per year, whereas between 1990 and 1995 annual growth averaged 1.8% per year.

SOURCE: SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

Electricity Generated and Consumed⁵: 2000-2002

GigaWatt hours

A range of environmental concerns have been linked to the generation of energy. The primary concern remains the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Figures supplied by the electricity generating companies show that just under 50,000 GWh of electricity was generated in Scotland in 2002. About 34,000 GWh (68%) of this electricity was consumed by customers in Scotland. The remaining 16,000 GWh (32%) of electricity generated in Scotland was accounted for by: net electricity transferred ⁶ to the England and Wales grid and to Northern Ireland, transmission and distribution losses and losses due to pumped storage and own use.

Similar amounts of gas are also consumed by customers in Scotland. In 2001 and 2002, 34,411 and 33,805 GWh respectively were consumed by domestic customers.

The total electricity generated between 2000 and 2002 has varied, with 2002 levels being around 800 GWh (2%) less than 2000 levels.

In 2002, over 50% of the electricity generated in Scotland was produced by fossil fuel combustion. The UK is committed to reducing emissions of GHGs under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Electricity Generation by Source: 2000-2002

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 the period 2000-2002, over 50% of electricity generated in Scotland was produced from fossil fuels. These figures may be higher than normal because 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, 2001 and 2002, approximately a third of the electricity generated in Scotland came from nuclear fuel.

About 10% of the electricity generated in Scotland came from renewable sources ('hydroelectric (natural flow)' and 'other renewables'). As part of the Climate Change Programme, the Scottish Executive has set a target that 18% of electricity generated in Scotland by 2010 should be from renewable sources, rising to 40% by 2020.

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Motor Traffic on Major Roads: 1984-2003

Million vehicle kilometres

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 70% between 1984 and 2003. 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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