Scots’ carbon footprint up after steady decline

Scotland's carbon footprint has seen a hike in the last year, though it has been generally declining for the last few years. Picture: Craig Stephen

It rose from 72.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2011 to 76.8 MtCO2e in 2012, an increase of 5.3 per cent in the space of a year but 6.3 per cent lower than in 1998, according to the Scottish Government’s Carbon Footprint 1998-2012 report.

Emissions from imported goods and services has accounted for the biggest proportion of Scotland’s carbon footprint for the last 10 years, when it overtook emissions from UK-produced goods and services around 2004.

Emissions from imports rose by 45 per cent between 1998 and 2007, but fell sharply in the years to 2011.

They are back on the rise in the latest report and now account for 44 per cent of Scotland’s footprint, up from 39 per cent in 1998.

Emissions from UK goods has been falling steadily since 1998, and now account for 39 per cent of Scotland’s footprint. They rose slightly in 2011 but remain lower than 1998.

Emissions produced by Scottish residents has remained steady at around 17 per cent since 1998.

Lang Banks, director of environmental body WWF Scotland, said: “It’s disappointing to see that Scotland’s carbon footprint appears to be back on the rise.

“These figures are an important reminder that decisions taken here in Scotland result in greenhouse gas emissions around the world.

“Our carbon footprint is one of the Scottish Government’s national performance indicators and if it is to be turned round we need to see the ministers use all their powers to help secure the low-carbon economy Scotland needs and wants.

“We look forward to seeing what comes from the Cabinet Sub Committee on Climate Change and its focus on ensuring we deliver on our world leading climate legislation.”