Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2009
Annual publication containing summary of key statistics on environmental trends in Scotland
Global Atmosphere
Greenhouse Gas Emissions R: 1990-2006
Greenhouse gas emissions taking account of emissions and removals (Mt CO 2e)8
Million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent8
'Basket' of GHGs |
1990 |
1995 |
2000 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) |
50.7 |
49.5 |
49.7 |
44.9 |
44.1 |
47.2 |
Methane (CH 4) |
11.0 |
10.1 |
8.0 |
6.1 |
6.1 |
6.2 |
Nitrous Oxide (N 2O) |
6.2 |
5.6 |
5.3 |
5.1 |
4.9 |
4.7 |
F-gases |
0.13 |
0.25 |
0.70 |
0.85 |
0.87 |
0.86 |
Total Scottish emissions 9,10,11,12,13 |
68.0 |
65.5 |
63.7 |
56.9 |
56.0 |
59.0 |
UK emissions 13,14 |
773.5 |
710.2 |
671.9 |
657.6 |
655.2 |
652.3 |
It should be noted that improved data sources and estimation techniques have routinely led to revision of historic greenhouse gas emission estimates.
'Greenhouse' gases ( GHGs) in the atmosphere help to retain radiation, resulting in warming of the lower atmosphere and earth surface. The process, known as the greenhouse effect, is essential to maintain global temperatures that sustain life on earth. Atmospheric concentrations of GHGs have increased as a result of human activities since the industrial revolution (c.1750). This has enhanced the greenhouse effect and is influencing global climate change.
Since the baseline (1990 for carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, 1995 for the F-gases, i.e. hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride) greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland have reduced by 13.4% and in 2006 equalled 59.0 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 15.
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