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AIR pollution is having a “devastating” impact on some of Scotland’s most globally important species and natural habitats, according to a new report.
The Plantlife paper, commissioned by the Scottish government, found that 80 per cent of land within special areas of conservation – such as the Cairngorms – now have intolerable nitrogen levels.
Pollutants in the air from transport, power stations, farming and industry were shown to be directly damaging the country’s unique biodiversity.
More than a third of all Scotland’s nitrogen-sensitive habitats were also found to have intolerable nitrogen levels.
Plantlife’s report recommends a reduction of ammonia and other nitrogen emissions to protect Scotland’s ecological future.
Plantlife Scotland head Alistair Whyte said: “The effects of air pollution on health are well-documented, with industry traditionally the key culprit.
“But nitrogen deposition is also rapidly devastating our iconic habitats and the impacts of this invisible enemy are still not being recognised with sufficient urgency.”
