New figures published by the Scottish Government show a rise in Scotland’s carbon footprint: the emissions linked to the goods and services we consume, wherever in the world those emissions happen. Consumption emissions also include pollution directly generated by Scottish households through heating and transport.
While emissions generated within Scotland – so called ‘territorial emissions’ – fell by just 1%, the country’s overall carbon footprint is heading in the wrong direction, with consumption emissions rising for a second year in a row – up 1.6% year on year.
The figures follow previous data which showed Scotland’s carbon footprint increased sharply after the pandemic reversing a generally downward trend, with emissions linked to imported goods making up more than half (53%) of Scotland’s total consumption footprint – and up by a massive 37% since 1998.
Oxfam Scotland is calling for urgent new action to shift Scotland onto a fairer, faster path to cutting emissions, one that reduces inequality as well as pollution. Campaigners say the evidence globally and in Scotland is clear: on average the richer you are, the more you pollute, making the reduction of wealthier polluters’ emissions vital.
Campaigners say the latest data also reinforces the need to strongly implement the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, including by finally setting ambitious targets to reduce consumption emissions and by taking action to boost reuse and repair, as well as recycling.
Oxfam Scotland says while Government action is essential, switching to second-hand shopping, including for clothes, is a simple step people in Scotland can take to help cut their own waste and reduce emissions.
Responding to the figures, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “Scotland’s rising consumption emissions are a warning light the Scottish Government can no longer ignore. Scotland cannot claim credit for marginally reducing overall emissions generated here while the pollution linked to the goods and services we consume from overseas continues to head in entirely the wrong direction. We would be cutting overall emissions far faster if we got a grip on consumption too.
“This new Parliament must mark the end of climate delay and drift. Scotland needs bold action to cut emissions fairly wherever they are produced, while investing in greener, warmer homes, clean transport, and making the better off and biggest polluters pay their fair share.”
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Media and Communications Adviser, Oxfam Scotland: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
