Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1% in 2024, but the slower pace adds pressure on ministers pursuing net zero by 2045.
Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1% in 2024, a smaller decline than the previous year, as new figures showed progress toward the country’s climate goals continuing to slow.
The country produced an estimated 39 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from seven greenhouse gases last year, down 0.4 MtCO2e from 2023. The reduction was almost half the 1.9% fall recorded the year before.
The figures matter because the Scottish government has pledged to reach net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the UK-wide target. After repeatedly missing annual and interim targets, ministers moved in 2024 to a system of five-year carbon budgets.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said progress was being made but acknowledged that work to cut emissions “must accelerate.” Since 1990, Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 50.5%, with reductions across all sectors except international aviation and shipping.
Most of the 2024 reduction was linked to changes in land use. Industry recorded the largest decrease, falling by 0.3 MtCO2e because of lower fuel use, while most other parts of the economy posted modest reductions.
But emissions rose from domestic transport, buildings and international aviation. International aviation and shipping increased by 0.2 MtCO2e as activity returned to pre-Covid levels.
Campaign groups said the slower pace underlined the scale of the challenge. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland described the figures as “stark confirmation” that climate action had not been strong or fast enough. Fraser Sutherland, the coalition’s manager, said climate change was already affecting health, livelihoods and financial stability in Scotland through more frequent storms, floods, droughts and wildfires.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Catrina Randall called the reduction “meagre” and said ministers had missed opportunities to help people use public transport and make homes more energy efficient.
Martin said the government’s recent climate change plan set out £42.3bn in direct financial benefits for Scotland and said the net-zero economy was supporting about 105,000 jobs, with potential benefits including warmer homes, cleaner air and better health outcomes.
The government is aiming to cut emissions by an average of 57% over the next five years, compared with 1990 levels, rising to 69% by 2035 and 80% by 2040. Separate carbon footprint statistics showed a 1.6% increase between 2021 and 2022, though Scotland’s carbon footprint was down 17.5% between 1998 and 2022.
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