Scotland has missed its carbon emission reduction targets for the second year running.
Scottish Conservative Energy Spokesperson, Murdo Fraser MSP, has concluded that only by adopting new nuclear power and shale gas can Scotland realistically reduce its greenhouse gases.
Emissions of the six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, were estimated to be 52.9m tonnes in 2012.
This was a 0.8% rise compared to 2011 and exceeded the revised annual emissions target for 2012.
In the USA carbon emissions have fallen 12% between 2005 and 2012 and are at their lowest level since 1994. This massive decrease has been largely attributed to the increasing use of shale gas which burns 50% less carbon dioxide when used to produce electricity.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Given the rise in emissions last year, the SNP is now getting further away from the target, not closer.
“If the Scottish Government has any chance of meeting its 2020 target it will have to start using the only reliable and green sources of energy available, nuclear power and natural gas.
“Greenhouse gas emissions in the USA are at their lowest level since 1994, a direct result of the increasing use of shale gas. In Scotland we have huge potential for this new energy source and the Scottish Government must get on board and create the right conditions for fracking.
“A huge and probably unrealistic turnaround will be needed to get anywhere near a 42% reduction in emissions by 2020. Therefore, Ministers at Holyrood should be focussing on practical measures that can actually help mitigate climate change.”