Increase in emissions 'caused by coal-powered stations'

The increased use of coal-fired electricity production as a result of fluctuating gas prices has resulted in increased emission of greenhouse gases in Scotland, it has been revealed.

According to the Scottish parliament, while new figures show emissions have fallen by 13.4 per cent against a 1990/1995 baseline, there was a 5.4 per cent increase in emissions between 2005 and 2006.

Environmental analysis shows the highest emitting sectors were energy supply and transport, which have increased 7.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent from the baseline figure respectively.

Stewart Stevenson, climate change minister, said: "I am in no doubt about the serious challenge we face in combating climate change and in cutting emissions."

He added that the government will pass environmental legislation to build new rail lines, improve the bus network and fund other types sustainable travel in a bid to boost air quality.

In July 2008, Dr Justin Kenrick of Glasgow University suggested that Scottish people should sign up to carbon emissions rationing in order to bring about a zero-carbon community, the Scotsman reports