Scotland has reached its greenhouse gas emissions target for 2015 despite total emissions being 1.8% higher than 2014, it has been revealed.

The latest official figures stated emissions for 2015 were 41% below levels for 1990, while 2014 set a new record with a 45.8% reduction, exceeding a target to reduce emissions by 42% by 2020.

While emissions rose 1.8% between 2014 and 2015, the country still met its annual climate target.

Commenting on the news, Jim Densham from Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) said: "It's great news that Scotland has hit the latest annual emissions reduction target. This shows that real progress is being made towards securing the clean energy revolution which our economy and society needs. Tackling climate change delivers huge benefits such as reduced fuel poverty, cleaner air, thousands of jobs and improved health.

"To hit future climate change targets we now need to build on the early successes to supercharge action on key areas. These include homes, farming and particularly transport, which is for the first time the largest source of emissions. Transport pollution has been stubbornly high for decades and we need significant action to catch up with other nations such as India and Norway which are planning to end the sale of fossil fuel cars by 2030."

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Having met it's targets for the second year in a row, Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has now revealed proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050.

Measures for the Government to meet these new climate change ambitions include:

• Establishing an expert advisory group to help with the finalisation of the draft Climate Change Plan before publication in early 2018

• Helping communities reduce carbon emissions in their areas by reopening the Climate Challenge Fund for 2018-19 applications. This commitment builds on the £86 million investment in more than 600 communities since 2008

• Investing in research to improve understanding of the benefits of blue carbon in Scotland which is the carbon captured in oceans and coastal ecosystems

A consultation on the proposed Climate Change Bill will soon begin.

Mr Densham continued: "The forthcoming Climate Change Plan and the Climate Change Bill are key opportunities to set out policies to deliver the benefits of a low carbon future. The Scottish Parliament has a chance to show continued leadership to ensure that the new Bill delivers. We call on all parties to work together to ensure Scotland remains a world leader on climate action."

Ms Cunningham said: "Our proposals to reduce emissions by at least 90% by 2050 clearly indicates to the people of Scotland that we remain resolutely committed to the fight against climate change.

"Scotland has long punched above its weight on this issue. Moving towards new targets in our proposed Climate Change Bill will strengthen our position at the forefront of the global transition to a low carbon economy."

(LM/MH)