New figures have revealed Scotland is on track to nearly half its carbon emissions.

The latest data shows that between 1990 and 2016, the country has achieved a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and is on target to exceed its current 2020 climate change target.

Welcoming the figures, Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "These statistics are hugely encouraging and show we have almost halved the greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland - underlining our role as an international leader in the fight against climate change.

"We all have a role to play in that fight and I want to thank the households, communities and businesses who are working hard every day to reduce their own emissions.

"But we must go further and faster if we are to meet our responsibilities to our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

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"Our ambitious Climate Change Bill will ensure we do exactly that – by setting a new 90% reduction target for 2050 and paving the way towards achieving net-zero emissions as soon as possible."

However, Scottish Greens environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP called for further action to be taken as the figures reveal an increase of 2.3% in transport emissions between 2015 and 2016, with a 7% rise since 1990.

Mr Ruskell said: "Progress on reducing the pollution that causes climate change is welcome but Scottish Ministers cannot be serious if they think they are showing international leadership given they plan to slow down the rate of action. They are trying to wriggle out of setting a zero carbon target in the new Climate Change Bill, when other countries are already pressing ahead.

"A zero carbon target will drive the innovation we need in our economy to create new jobs, build warm homes and improve public transport. In particular, we need to see action from government to reverse the worrying trend of rising numbers of cars on our roads driving an increase in transport emissions.

"Government needs to give up on building more roads and trying to give airlines tax breaks; instead it needs to listen to the public and fix the roads we already have, and invest in up-to-date buses, trains and cycle lanes to help people get on with their daily lives."

To view the Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2016 figures, visit here.

(LM/MH)