Report highlights what needs to be done

Published on Thursday 21 August 2008 22:35

A MAJOR new report spells out the scale of the challenge of tackling climate change in Scotland.

The Scottish Government document highlights that by the year 2100 temperatures in Scotland are predicted to rise by 3.5C in the summer and 2.5C in winter. And it estimates that by 2100 winters in Scotland will be up to 30 per cent wetter, and summers 50 per cent drier.

The document, Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2008, published yesterday, compiles all current data on the environment.

It also shows how public views have changed.

In 2002 raw sewage going into the sea was top of people's concerns about the environment, with global warming in tenth place. By 2006 global warming was most important, followed by addressing energy needs and increasing recycling.

The document spells out that the amount of electricity generated from coal – a major contributor of carbon dioxide emissions – increased by 44 per cent from 2005 to 2006.

Traffic on Scotland's roads increased by 25 per cent between 1993 and 2006. Cars account for nearly 80 per cent of traffic.

The number of households that recycle shot up from 55 per cent in 2003 to 84 per cent in 2007.