August 2009
In 2006, Scottish transport, including international aviation and shipping, accounted for 15.0 mega-tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), or 24.4% of total Scottish greenhouse gas emissions. This figure, both in terms of absolute emissions and the proportion of total emissions, continues to grow on an annual basis.
Reducing emissions from transport is one of the National Transport Strategy’s three key strategic outcomes. On 5th December 2008 the Scottish Government published the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill, which includes a commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030, and by 80% by 2050. The finalised version also includes
an interim target of 42% by 2020. These targets demonstrate a bold commitment by the Scottish Government. It signifies the importance Scotland places on playing its part in mitigating one of the most serious threats facing our world.
The Scottish Government’s Transport Directorate wants to improve its evidence base on how it can contribute to meeting emission reduction targets and appointed Atkins in partnership with the University of Aberdeen to undertake a study to identify, analyse, and report on the policy options available to the Scottish Government.
