THE Scottish government was heavily criticised today after failing to meet its own climate change targets for the second consecutive year.  

Figures released by the Scottish government show a 4 per cent shortfall in cuts to greenhouse gas emissions compared to target levels.  

Legislation passed last year in Holyrood committed the government to cutting emissions in 2018 by 54 per cent compared with the 1990 baseline, however it only managed to cut greenhouse gas levels by 50 per cent in this time.

Scotland’s climate emissions actually increased between 2017 and 2018, while renewable gas targets were missed by a significant margin. 

One of the main factors responsible for this shortfall was the increase in emissions from the power sector, where fossil fuel use increased by half.

Campaigners called the findings “extremely worrying,” highlighting the continued use of fossil fuels as the main driver behind sustained emission levels. 

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland’s Jess Cowell said: “If the government is going to meet the crucial target of a 75 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 we need to see action to reduce emissions.

“After announcing a climate emergency, and with COP 26 being held in Glasgow next November, it is crucial the Scottish government show leadership and place ambitious climate action at the centre of a just and green economic recovery from the devastating effects of Covid-19.”

Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell added: “This is what happens when politicians congratulate themselves over targets but won’t commit to serious action to meet them. 

“This is a climate emergency, and instead of cutting emissions Scotland continues to hurtle towards climate breakdown.”