Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no greenhouse gas emissions when generating electricity meaning it is one of the best tools in combatting climate change. As the proportion of renewable electricity in Scotland grows it gradually displaces the need to generate electricity from polluting fossil fuels, reducing total carbon emissions.
It is estimated that in 2019, renewable electricity generation in Scotland displaced over 13.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide[1]. This is the equivalent to over 30 % of Scotland’s total carbon emissions[2].
While the pandemic has led to a temporary dip in greenhouse gas emissions, there is still requirement for fundamental changes in the way we live our lives in order to achieve net zero.
[1] Renewable Energy Facts & Statistics. Available at: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/our-industry/statistics (Accessed 28/01/2020)
[2] Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2018. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/news/scottish-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2018/ (Accessed 28/01/2020) Most up to date total emissions total for Scotland available online.
