Scottish Greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 1.9% in 2023

In 2023, Scottish net emissions of the basket of seven greenhouse gases were estimated to be 39.6 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). Emissions reduced by 0.8 MtCO2e compared to 2022; a 1.9% reduction.

There was a very large reduction in emissions in the electricity generation sector of 0.8 MtCO2e in 2023, with a large reduction in gas-fired electricity generation being principally responsible for this drop. More modest reductions were seen in Fuel Supply (-0.4 MtCO2e); and Buildings & Product Uses, Domestic Transport, Industry and waste; which all reduced emissions by 0.1 MtCO2e when compared to 2022.

Agriculture emissions were essentially unchanged between 2022 and 2023, falling very slightly by 0.1%.

However, the above reductions were offset partially by increased emissions in international aviation and shipping (+0.3 MtCO2e) effectively returning to their pre-COVID levels; and ‘Land Use, Land Use Change And Forestry’ (LULUCF) increasing by 0.6 MtCO2e in the latest year.

Between 1990 and 2023, there was a 51.3 per cent reduction in estimated net emissions, a 41.6 MtCO2e decrease, with all sectors except International Aviation and shipping falling over the period.

Acting net zero secretary, Gillian Martin, said: “These figures confirm that between 1990 and 2023, Scotland yet again leads the rest of the UK in cutting emissions, led by significant decreases from electricity generation and industry.

“This is complemented by the positive actions we have already taken to reach our goal of net zero by 2045 – from extending free bus travel to benefit over 2.3 million people, to record levels of tree planting and peatland restoration. However, we are not complacent and recognise that our transition to a net zero, climate ready Scotland will require genuine transformation across our economy and society from transport and heat in buildings to land use.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has committed introducing a Heat in Buildings Bill this year, which will set a target for decarbonising heat by 2045, why we will abolish Scotrail peak rail fares in September and why we have increased funding for low carbon and climate positive activities to £54.4m, supporting a switch to zero emission vehicles and the decarbonisation of our buses.”

She added: “It is also vital that the UK Government, which holds key policy and funding levers to deliver Scotland’s net zero future, acts on these at pace to deliver our climate targets and those for the whole of the UK.

“Net zero offers huge economic opportunities for our country and the changes we need to make will put money into people’s pockets, improve health and wellbeing and create better public services as well as protect our planet for future generations.”