Environmental, Waste and Renewables Update

Here is a summary of today's Environmental, Waste and Renewables news:

STV: Scotland's carbon footprint sees biggest rise in 20 years

Scotland’s carbon footprint jumped by almost 15% in 2021 to reach its highest level since 2015, figures show. It’s the biggest annual increase since records began 23 years ago. Greenhouse gas emissions rose from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2021 – an increase of 14.6%. It follows a sharp decrease in emissions sparked by the Covid pandemic the year before. Transport emissions during that time fell by 23.9% but partially bounced back by 13.1% the year after.

Click here to read STV: Scotland's carbon footprint sees biggest rise in 20 years.

Glasgow Times: Planning reforms put precious habitats and wildlife at risk, nature groups warn

New planning reforms could push species towards extinction and destroy precious habitats, the UK’s leading nature organisations have warned. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill could allow developers to effectively disregard environmental rules and community concerns, increasing the risk of sewage in rivers, flooding and loss of valued woods and parks, they said.

Click here to read Glasgow Times: Planning reforms put precious habitats and wildlife at risk, nature groups warn.

Falkirk Herald: Golden reward for The Falkirk Wheel's standout efforts at green tourism

It has received a gold award for Green Tourism to highlight its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship – for the fourth time. The delighted team at Scottish Canals said the latest accolade is testament to everyone working at The Falkirk Wheel who continue to promote eco-friendly practices and are committed to protecting the natural environment around the popular visitor attraction.

Click here to read Falkirk Herald: Golden reward for The Falkirk Wheel's standout efforts at green tourism.

BBC: Agency could intervene to cull estate's red deer

The Scottish government has used a legal power for the first time to force the owners of a Highland estate to cull red deer on their land. The compulsory deer management control scheme could see Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot, step in to reduce numbers of the animals on Loch Choire Estate in Sutherland. There are concerns grazing by deer is damaging mossy peatland called blanket bog at four sites of special scientific interest (SSSI).

Click here to read BBC: Agency could intervene to cull estate's red deer.