Emissions down by 21% since 1990

Greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland have dropped by more than 20% since 1990.

Scottish Government figures for 2008 reveal that the country's emissions fell 21% since 1990 when taking emissions trading within the EU into account.

The Government said Scotland is halfway towards its goal of reducing emissions by 42% by 2020.

It was revealed that Scottish emissions of six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and hydrofluorocarbons, fell by 3% in 2008 compared to the previous year.

Since 1990 emissions from transport - excluding international aviation and shipping - increased by 7%. Emissions from international aviation and shipping increased by 20% during the period.

Significant emissions reductions occurred in the business and industrial process category, with a 37% reduction since 1990.

There was also a reduction of 52% in the waste management category and a 22% reduction in agriculture during the period.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounted for around 79% of Scottish greenhouse gas emissions in 2008, a 3.5% fall compared to the previous year and a 15% fall since 1990.

Non CO2 emissions - including methane and nitrous oxide - have dropped by 34% since 1990.

Climate change minister Stewart Stevenson said: "These figures demonstrate the excellent progress we are making towards achieving our world-leading climate change targets."