Scotland’s Greenhouse Emissions Cuts 2nd Only To Sweden

Scotland is second only to Sweden in the European Union in terms of its cuts to its greenhouse gas emissions, according to new figures.

According to new figures published this week by the Scottish Government, between 1990 and 2014, Scotland has decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by 39.5% — compared to 34.2% in England, and only 17.9% in Wales and 16.5% in Northern Ireland.

As a whole, the United Kingdom — which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (for now) — has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 32.4%.

When compared to the European Union-15 (the original member countries of the EU up to 2004), Scotland is second only to Sweden in terms of the level of its greenhouse gas emission cuts. Sweden has managed a phenomenal cut of 54.5% between 1990 and 2014, well ahead of the United Kingdom (as a whole) which is second.

“It’s great to see more evidence that Scotland is in the vanguard when it comes to tackling climate change in Europe,” said Lang Banks, WWF Scotland director.

“Thanks to strong Government leadership over the years we’ve embraced renewables helping to de-carbonise our power sector.

 “However, looking ahead there is no room for complacency if Scotland is to maintain its position as a leader on climate change and to capture the many social, health and economic benefits of moving to a zero-carbon future. Outside of the electricity and waste sectors progress to cut carbon has been far too slow.

 “The Scottish Government’s new climate action plan, due by the end of the year, is an opportunity to set out transformational plans.  Sectors in need of urgent attention include transport, where emissions remain stuck at 1990 levels and housing, with too many families wasting cash and carbon heating the outside of their leaky homes.”

Scotland, and even Sweden, are not leaders when taking into account the full (current) 28 member states of the European Union.