Carbon footprint soared nearly 15% in post-Covid boom, figures show

Scotland’s carbon footprint jumped by almost 15% in 2021 to reach its highest level since 2015, figures show.

Greenhouse gas emissions rose from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2021 – an increase of 14.6%.

It follows a sharp decrease in emissions sparked by the Covid pandemic the year before.

Transport emissions during that time fell by 23.9% but partially bounced back by 13.1% the year after.

Household heating emissions dropped by 5.2% in 2020 but rose by 8.1% in 2021.

Overall though, Scotland’s carbon footprint has fallen by 19.9% since 1998 from its high of 73.9 MtCO2e.

Compared to 2007, the year emissions started falling, the country’s carbon footprint is down by 27.6%.

As well as emissions directly generated by Scottish households, the Scottish Government’s figures also include emissions associated with the spending of residents on goods and services, even if those products or services are produced in another country.

Since 1998, Scottish greenhouse gas emissions from imported overseas goods have soared from 37.1% to 53.4% of the nation’s carbon footprint.

At the same time, emissions from UK-produced goods and services plummeted from 44.9% to 27% of the overall total.

CO2 produced directly by Scottish residents decreased by 12.8% since 1998 but accounted for an increasing share of the overall carbon footprint of the nation, from 18% to 19.6%.

The European Union was the single biggest region for import emissions, followed by China.

First Minister John Swinney has made tackling climate change one of his four missions in Government.

The Scottish Government has a target for the country to reach net zero by 2045.

The policy has come under scrutiny in recent years though as ministers failed to meet several of their interim net zero targets.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, along with UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, claimed the climate targets could hurt the economy.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has also called for them to be scrapped.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The rise in Scotland’s carbon footprint is alarming. This massive jump in our emissions, taking us back to pre-pandemic levels, shows that adequate action is not being taken.

With emissions in Scotland already nearly cut in half, we are well positioned to continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us

“The climate crisis is a global problem and reducing our emissions from imported goods is essential to make a real impact in reducing the harm being caused to many people.

“The circular economy law was passed last year, which is an opportunity to finally get a grip on this problem and reduce our carbon footprint.

“The Scottish Government must reverse the rise in emissions by putting strong consumption targets at the heart of its circular economy strategy.

“Recognising the importance of materials and global supply chains in our policy plans is the only way to ensure that Scotland reduces its global environmental impact.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The increase in consumption-based emissions reflects the rebound in activity following the Covid pandemic – particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors – which were unable to fully operate during the national lockdowns.

“This Government’s commitment to ending Scotland’s contribution to global emissions as soon as possible, and by 2045 at the latest, is unwavering.

“With emissions in Scotland already nearly cut in half, we are well positioned to continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us.”