Scotland’s climate emissions fall, but international aviation continues to fly high
Official figures show Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by nearly 2% last year, with big cuts from electricity generation disguising slower falls and some increases in other key sectors.
Reductions were seen in fuel supply, buildings, transport, industry, and waste. Agriculture emissions barely budged, falling by just 0.1%
However, the data shows a sharp rise of 18.6% in emissions from international aviation and shipping, as flights and shipping rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. It means emissions from the sector have now risen by a third (33%) since 1990.
Last year, the Scottish Government’s own climate advisers, the Climate Change Committee, raised concerns about the Government’s lack of action on aviation emissions and its failure to introduce the long-promised Air Departure Tax (ADT).
Oxfam Scotland is calling for ADT to be swiftly introduced with a new tax on pollution-spewing private jets embedded within it.
Responding to the figures, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “Falling emissions are welcome, but in a race against time, we’re simply not moving fast enough due to a lack of investment in major polluting sectors. Communities across Scotland are already counting the cost: facing floods, storms, and extreme weather, while emissions also fuel death and devastation around the world.
“The Scottish Government can't claim it is tackling the climate emergency while aviation emissions are heading skyward. Pollution from planes, can’t just be wished away: it’s time for action, starting with landing a fair tax on the super-polluting private jets choking Scottish skies. This would raise tens of millions to invest in green projects that benefit us all and send a clear message that the Scottish Government will no longer give the super-rich a licence to pollute.”
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Media and Communications Adviser, Oxfam Scotland: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
- Read Oxfam Scotland’s 2024 report, Cleared for take-off: a private jet tax for Scotland.
- In 2024, the Climate Change Committee said the Scottish Government should implement the Air Departure Tax (ADT) “as soon as possible”. It said: “there is no strategy for decarbonising aviation in Scotland and no progress in addressing aviation demand growth, with the Air Departure Tax yet to be implemented. - Progress in reducing emissions 2024 Report to Parliament, Climate Change Committee (July 2024): https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-reducing-emissions-in-scotland-2023-report-to-parliament/
