Greenhouse gas emissions in Perth and Kinross fell by 13 per cent between 2019 and 2020, according to new figures.
The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy released the 2020 territorial climate change emissions data for Perth and Kinross this summer.
Total emissions in Perth and Kinross in 2020 were 1229.5 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), down from 1410.7 MtCO2e in 2019 and 1471.5 MtCO2e in 2018.
Across the UK emissions fell by an average of 9.2 per cent between 2019 and 2020.
Carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases – methane and nitrous oxide – cause the atmosphere to retain heat.
The more emissions, the hotter the planet gets.
The fall in emissions between 2019 and 2020 has largely been attributed to reduced travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, emissions in the UK have reduced by 48.8 per cent since 1990.
In Perth and Kinross, transport and agriculture are the two biggest contributors to emissions, responsible for 26 per cent and 23 per cent of the total respectively.
Domestic energy use was responsible for 16 per cent of all emissions.
Despite more people spending time at home because of lockdown, this was still a four per cent reduction from the previous year.
Councillor Richard Watters, convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s climate change and sustainability committee, said: “Reducing carbon emissions to zero is critical in preventing global warming.
“It’s no surprise emissions fell during lockdown but what is heartening to see is that emissions fell more than the national average in Perth and Kinross.
“Our Climate Action plan was approved last year and we will continue to work with all sectors to reduce emissions in the years ahead.
“2020 was an unprecedented year but we all must play our part in ensuring the downward trend in emissions continues in the years ahead.
“Becoming more energy efficient will not only help the planet, it can help people save money. I’d urge everyone to visit our Climate Action website to find out more and other actions they can take to save money and reduce emissions.”
For guidance on improving home energy efficiency residents can contact one of the free services across for a home energy audit or advice.
Details are at www.pkclimateaction.co.uk/reduce-energy-cost
