Scotland is second only to Sweden with the success of its emission reduction efforts, according to new greenhouse gas emissions data released on Sunday by the Scottish government.

 

The new data breaks down the UK's emissions cuts by country. It shows Scotland has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 39.5 per cent between 1990 and 2014, putting it second in the Western European rankings behind Sweden, which achieved a 54.5 per cent cut during the same period.

 

In comparison, England delivered a 34.2 per cent cut between 1990 and 2014, Wales a 17.9 per cent cut, and Northern Ireland a 16.5 per cent cut - giving the UK an overall reduction of 33 per cent over the period.

 

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said the data confirms Scotland is in the vanguard of climate action in Europe.

 

However, he warned there is "no room for complacency" if Scotland is to maintain its position as a leading low carbon economy.

 

Across the entire 28 Member States of Europe, the largest drop in greenhouse gas emissions over the 1990-2014 period came from Lithuania, which cut emissions by 74.7 per cent. The worst performer was Malta, whose emissions increased 150 per cent over the period. (businessGreen)