Scotland Half Way to Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Scotland is half way to reaching it's target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent within the next 10 years, according to official figures released by the Scottish government.
In the last decade greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland fell by 20 per cent from 57.8 million tonnes CO2 equivalent in 2007 to 56.1 million in 2008.
When the figures are adjusted to take into account of trading in the EU Emissions Trading System, which was set up to allow countries that exceed their emissions to buy back “credit” from other nations that have kept within their limits, Scotland’s emissions have fallen by 21.2 per cent from 1990 – meaning Scotland has more than reached the half way point in achieving its 2020 Climate Change Act target.
"These figures demonstrate the excellent progress we are making towards achieving our world leading climate change targets,” said Stewart Stevenson, Climate Change Minister.
"Our energy sector is playing a leading role in the drive to reduce emissions with nearly a quarter of Scotland’s electricity demand met by renewables during 2008.
"Everyone from Government, business, industry and individuals will need to play their part to ensure we deliver a low carbon Scotland and meet our ambitious climate targets.”
Community organisations are spearheading the reduction of carbon emissions at a local level and some are developing innovative ways to support residents and businesses in making changes to reduce CO2 emissions.
In the upcoming Waterfront area of the capital, North Edinburgh Trust is one such organization that has successfully attracted Climate Challenge Funding and has ongoing projects that are raising the issue of climate change.
"Every household can help cut carbon emissions and make real savings for their families at the same time,” said Chief Executive, Jackie McKenna.
“NET’s Future Families project research has shown that, despite the many obstacles faced by households such as those studied in North Edinburgh, with awareness, guidance and support everyone can take small steps to reduce their energy consumption and their bills”.
The Future Families and NET Your Carbons projects are designed to give individuals and communities in North Edinburgh's Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton, Royston, Wardieburn and Drylaw areas the ability to reduce their carbon emissions, increase awareness and knowledge of climate change issues so that they can work together to develop collective practical solutions to the energy savings challenges that they face.

ENDS