2018 greenhouse gas emission data released by the Scottish Government today shows that Scotland has missed its annual target for reducing emissions. Climate change emissions actually increased between 2017 and 2018 by 1.5%.
Jess Cowell said on behalf of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland:
“It is incredibly worrying to see a 1.5% rise in Scotland’s annual emissions compared to 2017, and the Scottish Government missing its 2018 target of reducing emissions by 54% since 1990. If the Government is going to meet the crucial target of a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030 we need to see action to reduce emissions showing up in significant declines in these figures.
“The burning of fossil fuels is the key driver of the climate crisis, the government must commit to delivering a decisive just transition that ends our economic dependence on fossil fuels whilst protecting employment and securing social benefits for the communities who will be impacted by industrial change.”
Urgent action is needed in the transport sector where progress on emission reduction is still lacking, with emissions in domestic transport only being reduced by 4.9% since 1990. Instead of investing in high-carbon, expensive infrastructure – £749 million is being spent on motorways and trunk roads for 2020/21 – expenditure must be directed towards projects that enable walking, safe cycling networks and accessible public transport routes that will also contribute to reductions in air pollution.
Jess Cowell added:
“After announcing a climate emergency and with the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 26, being held in Glasgow next November, it is crucial that the Scottish Government show leadership and place ambitious climate action at the centre of a just and green economic recovery from the devastating effects of Covid-19 felt across society.”
