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OVERALL CARBON EMISSIONS IN SCOTLAND

Consumption of certain fuels for energy production ( e.g. coal, gas) results in the emission of carbon dioxide ( CO₂ ), which contributes to global warming. The Scottish Climate Change Programme has a number of initiatives in place aimed at reducing the emissions of this, and other, gases.

In 2002, Scotland emitted 44 million tonnes of CO₂ resulting from the production and consumption of energy. This is around 9% of the equivalent UK emissions, which is proportionate to the 8.5% of the UK population that live in Scotland.

CO₂ emissions from energy use were around 5% less than those in 1990. This is again a reflection of a number of aspects, including a reduction from energy efficiency improvements balanced by increases from the greater use of fuel for transport. A further important feature here is the change in the mix of different fuels used by end consumers and used to generate electricity at Scotland's power stations.

Before leaving the issue of CO₂ emissions, it is worth noting that CO₂ can also be emitted from activities other than the generation and use of energy. In particular, it is emitted from various land-use activities, especially from disturbances to peaty soils. The overall picture for energy related CO₂ emissions is illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Emissions of energy-related CO₂ in Scotland in 2003 ¹

This was developed from the UK's National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory dataset. The figure illustrates the concentration of high emissions in the main urban areas, where houses, businesses and factories are located together. Areas such as Lanarkshire, the Ayrshire coast, Grangemouth, Dunfermline and the South Fife coast can be seen. The effects of transport are also visible, in terms of both road links and marine transport.

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