Scotland’s carbon footprint — emissions from all greenhouse gases — increased by 14.6% from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) between 2020 and 2021, according to new figures released by the Scottish Government.

That was the highest carbon footprint since 2015, and the biggest annual increase since records began 23 years ago.

Emissions in 2020 were supressed by the effect of the national lockdowns and travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

“Between 2020 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint (emissions from all greenhouse gases) increased by 14.6 per cent from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2021,” said the Scottish Government.

“Between 1998 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint fell by 19.9 per cent from 73.9 MtCO2e in 1998 to 59.2 MtCO2e in 2021

“Scotland’s carbon footprint rose continuously from 2001 to a peak of 81.7 MtCO2e in 2007 before falling sharply after 2007 (coinciding with the recession) and, with the exception of 2012, 2018, and 2021, has fallen each subsequent year.”

“However, the 2021 value is highest seen since 2015. The overall reduction between the 2007 peak and 2021 is 27.6 per cent.”

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The rise in Scotland’s carbon footprint is alarming.

“This massive jump in our emissions, taking us back to pre-pandemic levels, shows that adequate action is not being taken. The climate crisis is a global problem, and reducing our emissions from imported good is essential to make a real impact in reducing the harm being caused to many people.

“The circular economy law was passed last year, which is an opportunity to finally get a grip of this problem and reduce our carbon footprint.

“The Scottish Government must reverse the rise in emissions by putting strong consumption targets at the heart of its circular economy strategy. Recognising the important of materials and global supply chains in our policy plans is the only way to ensure that Scotland reduces its global environmental impact.”