Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy's statement regarding Scotland's net zero target: EIR release

Information requested

The start, current and end figures that led to the statement made by Gillian Martin that Scotland was halfway to meeting Scotland's net zero target.

Response

I enclose a copy of all of the information you requested.

The answer to your question is: 

In 1990, Scottish net emissions of the basket of seven greenhouse gases were estimated to be 81.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). In 2023, Scottish net emissions were estimated to be 39.6 MtCO2e. Overall, there has been a 41.6 MtCO2e (51.3 per cent) decrease in net emissions between 1990 and 2023.

To put this in other words:

• 1990: 81.2 MtCO2e.
• 2023: 39.6 MtCO2e
• End figures (2045 as per the Scottish Government’s net zero target): 0.0 MtCO2e

Full information on official statistics showing emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland over the period 1990 to 2023 can be found in the Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2023. The Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2023 Official Statistics publication contains the results of the Scottish Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 1990-2023. The Scottish Greenhouse Gas Inventory is the key data source for understanding the origins and magnitudes of the emissions. The inventory is compiled in line with international guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Data are reported by source sector (such as energy supply) and by greenhouse gas (such as carbon dioxide). You can access this online via this link: Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2023 - gov.scot.

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