Lochs are classified as having a “good” environmental status based on samples from other lochs many miles away – and as much as a decade old – prompting concerns that environmental regulation isn’t “fit for purpose”.
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The SNP launched its manifesto with a series of pledges, and a strong defence of the party’s record in government.
In a section looking at the environment and climate change, the party argued it had outperformed the UK Government on emissions reductions and the path to achieving ‘net zero’. This was questioned in the media and on social platforms.
“We [the Scottish Government] continue to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions - SNP 2026 manifesto
The Ferret Fact Service looked at this claim and found it True.
Evidence
Net zero is achieved when the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere is equal to the number removed. This can be achieved through various means including tree planting, restoration of peat bogs, technological solutions, and reducing emissions from industry, transport and daily life.
The Scottish Government set ambitious plans for achieving ‘net zero’ in Scotland in 2019, which were then described as “the toughest emissions targets in the world”.
Originally, the plan was to measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across different sectors every year, but these annual targets were scrapped in 2024 with Scotland lagging behind.
However, its overall target has remained in place, with the Scottish Government aiming to reach net zero by 2045. Progress on emissions is measured as a percentage reduction from 1990.
The SNP’s manifesto accurately stated that Scotland was more than half way to net zero emissions. According to the latest comparable climate statistics covering 2023, greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland were 51.3 per cent lower than 1990 levels.
This has been primarily a result of changes in electricity supply. There has been a significant increase in the generation and use of wind and solar power, as well reductions in gas power and the phasing out of coal generation, notably from the closure of coal power stations like Longannet.
Statistics released by the UK Government stated that the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 were 53 per cent down from 1990. This is accurate, but the figures are not directly comparable with those in Scotland because this headline figure doesn't include emissions from the UK’s share of international aviation and shipping.
It is common for this not to be included in measurements of progress towards ‘net zero’ as it can be difficult to accurately allocate between different countries. However, the Scottish figures do include aviation and shipping emissions.
According to analysis from independent government advisor the Climate Change Committee (CCC), when shipping and aviation is included, overall UK emissions were only 49.1 per cent lower in 2023 than they were in 1990.
Ferret Fact Service verdict: True
The SNP’s manifesto is accurate to state that Scotland is ahead of the UK on long term emissions reductions. Headline figures suggested that the UK overall had reduced further than Scotland since the 1990 baseline, but when the emissions from international shipping and aviation are included, comparable figures for 2023 show Scotland has reduced 51.3 per cent compared to 49.1 per cent in the UK.
Alastair leads our fact-checking arm, The Ferret Fact Service, and writes about disinformation and conspiracy theories. He also delivers training on media literacy and spotting disinformation. He spends his free time at gigs in basements.
