Scotland is halfway to its target of reducing carbon emissions 42% by 2020, with emissions falling over 20% since 1990, according to the latest official figures.

The statistics published by the Scottish Government yesterday show that emissions fell 3% between 2007 and 2008, down to 56.1 million (Mt CO2e). Including emissions trading in the figures takes the reduction to 21.2% since 1990.

“Our energy sector is playing a leading role in the drive to reduce emissions with nearly a quarter of Scotland’s electricity demand met by renewables during 2008,” says Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson.

He highlighted the latest round of leases for marine projects in the Pentland Firth and other sites across Scotland, which will deliver offshore wind capacity of 10.6GW.

“This additional investment means electricity generated from renewable sources will play an even greater role as we strive to reduce emissions even further,” he says.

Stevenson cautioned, however, that emissions from transport are rising and will have to be tackled.

“We are investing record levels building new rail lines, improving the bus network and rolling out new cycle and walking paths across Scotland,” he says.

But he added that everyone from Government to businesses, industry and individuals will have to play their part to cut emissions by a further 21%.

For further information:
www.scotland.gov.uk

Related stories:
Scotland outlines a renewable future (2-Sept)
EU over half way to 20% cut in emissions by 2020 (7-Jun)
UK 2020 renewables and emissions targets: nearly but not quite (24-May)
Scotland unveils plans to meet renewables target of 20% by 2020 (3-Jul 2009)
Scotland sets the bar for climate change legislation (26-Jun)