Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 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 per cent 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 per cent.

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.

Background

The full statistical publication is available at:  https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-greenhouse-gas-statistics-2023/

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/About