Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions

There are two measures of greenhouse gases presented in this release: SOURCE EMISSIONS A measure of the actual emissions or removals in Scotland. Includes international aviation and shipping. Used for UK and international comparisons. Source Emissions ADJUSTED EMISSIONS: FOR REPORTING AGAINST TARGETS Emissions adjusted to account for Scotland’s participation in EU-wide emissions trading and are used to measure progress against targets. Adjusted Emissions

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 provides for a fixed annual target for 2015 of 45.928 MtCO₂e, which has been met. The Act also contains a 2050 target for at least an 80 per cent reduction from baseline levels and an interim 2020 target for at least a 42 per cent reduction.  By 2015 a reduction of 41.0 per cent had been achieved.

MtCO₂e refers to million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.  This is a consistent measure of assessing the contribution of greenhouse gases to global warming.

The Baseline Period uses 1990 for carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide and 1995 for hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride.

Figures have been revised since last year’s release to incorporate methodological improvements and new data.

Background

The full statistical publication is available.

The data on Greenhouse Gas Emissions used in this release have been compiled for all Nations of the UK by a consortium of independent contractors. Further information on the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory.

Further information on Scottish environment statistics.

Further information on Scottish economic statistics.

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland.