Tag: environment

Equinor banks on £3.75 BILLION tax break while posting ‘outrageous’ profits

“The world is burning and the UK Government is helping the arsonists pay for the fuel”

Climate campaigners have reacted with outrage at the news that Norwegian oil giant Equinor has today announced pre-tax profits of £5.8 billion (US$7.5 billion) in JST THE LAST THREE MONTHS.

Campaigners said that with climate-induced fires sweeping Greece “the UK Government is helping the arsonists pay for the fuel” with a massive tax break for Equinor to develop a new oil field.

Equinor’s flagship project in the UK, the controversial Rosebank oil field, is in line to pocket a tax break of £3.75 billion from the UK Government to incentivise its development. This deliberate loophole in the Windfall Tax means that 91% of the cost of developing the 500 million barrel field will be covered by the public purse, despite Equinor’s massive profits and the fact that 80% of Rosebank’s oil will be exported.

Campaigners in Aberdeen yesterday delivered a giant ‘cheque’ to the Equinor offices to highlight the injustice of the tax break.

Last year, Equinor broke records with pre-tax yearly profits of £62 billion (US$74.9billion), benefiting from increased prices for oil and gas due to the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, energy bills for consumers skyrocketed and millions were pushed into fuel poverty.

There has been widespread opposition to the Rosebank field, with public protests across the UK, politicians including SNP MPs Tommy Sheppard and Mhairi Black and the head of the UK Government’s own climate advisory committee, Lord Deben, speaking out against the project.

A decision on Rosebank is rumoured to be scheduled for after the summer recess, following delays due to concerns that the project would not meet net zero commitments under the North Sea Transition Deal.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “These outrageous profits every quarter serve as a stark reminder that companies like Equinor have no intention of changing their ways.

“Fossil fuel giants are simply making too much money from upholding the climate-destroying status quo. Adding insult to injury is the massive tax break Equinor will receive should they go ahead with Rosebank, showing how the UK Government would rather hand out public money than say no to big polluters.

“Grant Shapps and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are blatantly ignoring the devastating impacts of climate breakdown, exemplified most recently in the terrifying wildfires in Greece.

“By cheerfully inviting oil companies to drill for yet more polluting fossil fuels, they are effectively denying the reality of the climate crisis. The world is burning and the UK Government is helping the arsonists pay for the fuel.

“The Scottish Government can no longer sit on the fence on this climate denial and must speak out against Rosebank and all other new fossil fuel projects. We need a just transition to clean, affordable energy now.”

BREAKING NEWS: British Gas parent company Centrica has just posted it’s highest ever profits – £969 million in first six months of this year. Shell, too, has just posted eye-watering profits.

No cost of living crisis for these companies …

Water levels return to normal across most of Scotland

20230721-water-scarcity-reportDownload

Businesses abstracting water from the environment are being urged not to get complacent as river and ground water levels return to normal across much of Scotland.

The latest water scarcity report, published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), reveals most of the country has now recovered to Normal Conditions or Early Warning.

This is in stark contrast to just three weeks ago when five areas of Scotland had reached Significant, the highest level available, following a period of prolonged dry weather.

Chris Dailly, Head of Environmental Performance – Geographic at SEPA, said: “Last month was challenging for those businesses reliant on water from the environment. We very much welcome this turnaround in conditions and much needed revival of river levels.

“It’s served as a reminder of the vital role water plays in many industries in Scotland and the crucial part businesses play in ensuring the sustainability of local water environments.

“As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it’s imperative that water abstractors understand the impact of their usage and step up their efforts to manage this now and longer-term.”

Further rain is forecast across the southern half of the country this weekend, which may lead to continued recovery in some areas.

However, river flows and ground conditions have seen less recovery and are drier in the north-east, Fife and East Lothian, which remain in Alert level. Another dry spell may quickly lead to a deterioration in the water scarcity situation in these areas.

SEPA are urging abstractors in Alert areas, especially if taking water from burns and small rivers, to:

  • Routinely check equipment isn’t leaking.
  • Only use the water required for the use.
  • Consider water saving measures for next irrigation season.
  • If the catchment reaches Moderate Water Scarcity, consider your upcoming water needs and begin to plan with others in the catchment to share the resource or schedule abstractions.

SEPA are responsible for monitoring and reporting on the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and work with businesses all year round in industries such as agriculture, food and drink production, hydro energy and leisure to increase resilience to water scarcity.

More information, guidance and advice can be found at:  www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

Edinburgh locals urged to branch out as Scotmid offers fruity funding

A community focused, environmental and wellbeing initiative led by Scotmid, is giving Edinburgh locals the chance to nurture and grow their own fresh fruit for free. 

Scotmid is encouraging groups in Edinburgh to apply for £200 to purchase fruit trees or bushes to plant in a publicly accessible area, as part of its already highly successful, Scotland-wide Community Orchard campaign.

The campaign, created to encourage people to work together, increase physical activity and benefit the local environment, has spread its roots far and wide since launching earlier this year, with more than 70 orchards having been planted in sites up and down the country.

The retailer is now urging those in Edinburgh to apply, in a bid to complete Scotmid’s ambition to have a community orchard close to every Scotmid store.

Lynne Ogg, Communities Manager at Scotmid, said: “It has been so encouraging watching communities come together to plant a whole host of fruit trees and bushes.  Some of our groups have already spotted their first fruit and we can’t wait to hear how good they taste!

“Not only is this a fun way to get together with your local community but it’s also a really easy way to get outside and enjoy your local environment – we would love for more communities to benefit from this initiative.”

Seeding success: Scotmid’s Winchburgh Community Orchard – Case Study

Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year, as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce.

Since securing the Scotmid Community Orchard grant, the Winchburgh Community Growing Group has extended its community growing space.

The West Lothian based group started in 2018, with 50 planters across the village. By 2022, it had grown and moved to a 1.5acre site in Auldcathie Park which includes trees, planters, a community cabin and a kids zone.

The community growing space used Scotmid’s Community Orchard funding to purchase and plant eight Braeburn apple trees. Community volunteers will grow fruit to eat, cook and turn into juices.

Students from SRUC Oatridge college and local volunteers have been responsible for the planting and maintenance of the orchard, which is an open community space that hosts regular free growing and community events.

The orchard trees were planted close to Winchburgh’s Scotmid store, in a zone designed for wildlife and growing. Over 80 people in the community have benefitted from the additional trees from the Community Orchard initiative, with volunteers grafting, pruning and taking care of them for the benefit of the wider community.

John West from Winchburgh Community Growing Group, said: “The funding from Scotmid has helped us to purchase and plant eight apple trees which will provide Winchburgh locals with apples for years to come.

“As much as we are all excited to see the apples grow, it’s also been really rewarding to see members of the community work together to care for the orchard – now we can’t wait to try our first apple crumble!”

Edinburgh groups close to the following Scotmid stores are encouraged to apply by visiting: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

  • Scotmid Polwarth (116 Polwarth Gardens, Edinburgh, EH11 1LH)
  • Scotmid Gorgie (236 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2PL)
  • Scotmid Carrick Knowe (87 Saughton Road North, Edinburgh, EH12 7JB)
  • Scotmid Drumbrae (1 Drumbrae Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 8TE)
  • Scotmid Colinton (230 Oxgangs Road North, Colinton Mains, Edinburgh, EH13 9BQ)
  • Scotmid Balerno 1 (6 Main Street, Balerno, Midlothian, EH14 7EH)
  • Scotmid Balerno 2 (49-53 Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7AA)
  • Scotmid Portobello (6 Bath Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1EY)
  • Scotmid The Inch (94-98 Walter Scott Avenue, The Inch, Edinburgh, EH16 5RL)
  • Scotmid Gracemount (21 Gracemount Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 6RP)
  • Scotmid Moredun (80-88 Moredun Park Road, Edinburgh, EH17 7HG)
  • Scotmid Hamilton Place (56-60 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5AZ)
  • Scotmid Leven Street (5-19 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH)
  • Scotmid Stockbridge (6-8 Comly Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1HG)
  • Scotmid Rannoch (1 Rannoch Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 7ER)
  • Scotmid Crewe Road (236-240 Crewe Road North, Edinburgh, EH5 1LW)
  • Scotmid Boswall (37-41 Boswall Parkway, Edinbugh, EH5 2BR)
  • Scotmid Granton Road (137 Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3NJ)
  • Scotmid Leith Walk (207 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8NX)
  • Scotmid Pilrig (370 Leith Walk, Pilrig, Edinburgh, EH7 4PE)
  • Scotmid Easter Road (112-120 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5RH)
  • Scotmid Marchmont (126 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1AQ)
  • Scotmid Warrender (34 Warrender Park, Edinburgh, EH9 1HH)
  • Scotmid Barnton (187 Whitehouse Road, Barnton, EH4 6BU)

First Minister: ‘Dithering and delay’

First Minister calls for action to end uncertainty on Acorn Project

First Minister Humza Yousaf has called on the UK Government to give the go-ahead for the Acorn carbon capture and storage (CCS) project to enable Scotland to ramp up its transition to clean energy.

On a visit to Peterhead Power Station, the First Minister said that the Scottish Government is wholly committed to supporting the Acorn Project, and urged the UK Government to set out its plans and end uncertainty for investors and stakeholders.

The project, based in Aberdeenshire, would take captured CO2 emissions from industrial processes across the country and store it safely under the North Sea. 

The First Minister added: “Scotland’s net-zero future is being held back by UK Government dithering and delay.

“The Acorn scheme should be given approval now, so that we can take advantage of our unrivalled access to a vast CO2 storage potential and our opportunities to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure. CCS will play a pivotal role in achieving a just transition for our workforces, capitalising on existing world-leading skills and expertise to create many good, green jobs in the coming years.

“Despite the UK Government confirming in March that Acorn is ‘best-placed’ to meet the eligibility to be awarded Track-2 status, which would allow access to financial support from the UK Government, they continue to fail to provide a clear timetabled solution for the next stages of the process. This is entirely unacceptable and layers further uncertainty on top of never-ending delays which are impacting investor confidence and which compromise our climate-change commitments and just-transition ambitions.

“Acorn’s target of capturing and storing up to five million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030 is critical to Scotland’s plans to achieve net zero by 2045, ahead of the rest of the UK. The scheme will also help the UK Government to deliver on its commitments.

“While the UK Government prevaricates, we have already established a £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East to build on the region’s world-renowned expertise and ingenuity, to create jobs, foster innovation and support the region to deliver a fair and managed transition to net zero.”

Catherine Raw, Managing Director of SSE Thermal, who are part of the Scottish Cluster group of industrial companies backing the capture and permanent storage of CO2 emissions, said: “To unlock the potential of Peterhead and the wider region, it is vital that the Scottish Cluster is brought forward urgently, allowing the development of decarbonisation projects to be accelerated and Scotland’s net-zero ambitions to be met.

“Doing so will not only help us meet our energy goals, it will also support industries and provide a fair and just transition for workers and communities across the North East of Scotland, including at Peterhead.

“SSE have set out plans to invest up to £40 billion in the next decade, including more than £21 billion in Scotland alone. Renewables will be at the heart of that investment but we also recognise the need for flexible generation to provide backup when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. Our existing Peterhead station fulfils that role today, playing a critical role in Scotland’s energy system.”

Scientists ask public to help discover effect of extreme weather on butterflies in Scotland

Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is today calling on people across Scotland to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (14 July – 6 August) to help scientists understand the impact of climate change on the country’s most-loved butterflies. 

Last year’s record temperatures, heatwave and drought caused some of the plants that caterpillars feed on to wither and die. To help scientists discover what the ongoing impact of this extreme weather has been, the Scottish public are being asked to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see.

Last year, people across Scotland carried out 3,633 counts as part of the Big Butterfly Count, spotting 24,111 butterflies and day-flying moths. The most commonly spotted species across the country included Meadow Brown, Small White and Ringlet. Scientists need to know how these and other species are faring, and are relying on the Scottish public to help.

Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment – with half of the UK’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.

Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “This is a vital year for the Big Butterfly Count. We know that the previous extreme summer droughts in 1976 and 1995 took a heavy toll on butterflies and numbers crashed the following year, taking almost a decade to recover.

“The data collected in Scotland during this year’s Big Butterfly Count will give us a valuable insight into what the effect of the most recent extreme weather has been, and how we might be able to better protect our beautiful butterflies. With climate change here to stay, we need people in Scotland to take part more than ever before.”

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive way that everyone can help. As well as contributing to important scientific data collection, taking part in the Count is a great way to enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.

Butterfly Conservation Ambassador, Dr Amir Khan is one of many famous faces supporting the Big Butterfly Count. He explains: “Getting outside in nature and watching butterflies is a wonderful experience, not only does it spark joy and lower anxiety, you also know that you’re having a big impact on informing important conservation decisions.

“Spending time in nature is proven to be beneficial to our mental health, it can alleviate stress, boost mood and energy, and enhance feelings of happiness.”

Dr Khan is not alone in his advocacy of nature’s medicine, as President of Butterfly Conservation, Sir David Attenborough, has shared poignant messages in his support of the Big Butterfly Count over the years.

Sir David said: “A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.” 

Other famous faces to have taken part or supported the Big Butterfly Count over the last few years include His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, Butterfly Conservation Vice President Chris Packham (who today launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count), and even Winnie the Pooh!

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.

No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.

Last year almost 100,000 Counts took place across the UK, with participants spending a combined 2.5 years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks and in the countryside. The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.

Dr Zoe concludes: “We know 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s. Which means there are fewer butterflies to be seen than in years gone by.

“However, even if you don’t see any butterflies during your Count, we still want you to tell us! We need to know where there AREN’T any butterflies just as much as where there are, so please still log your result and then pick another day or location and try again. There are no limits on how many times you can take part.”

David Forbes Nixon OBE, Chairman of the DFN Foundation which sponsors the Big Butterfly Count, said: “The DFN Foundation is thrilled to once again sponsor the much-anticipated Big Butterfly Count this year, supporting Butterfly Conservation in their crucial work protecting butterflies from extinction.

“I am delighted that Undershaw School, an initiative of the DFN Foundation, will be taking a leading role in launching this year’s Big Butterfly Count. The school will host an action-packed event, educating pupils and the local community on the importance of biodiversity and conservation through the enchanting world of butterflies. 

“Summer is a glorious time to enjoy the great outdoors in the UK, and so I encourage everyone to get involved with this year’s Big Butterfly Count, either with friends and family or setting off on a solo adventure to enjoy a moment of calm and reconnect with nature.

“Not only will it make you feel good, but it will also be invaluable in helping to save species of butterflies and protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.”

This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 14 July – Sunday 6 August. For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

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Relief for rivers as rainfall revives water levels in parts of Scotland

There is light relief for parts of Scotland’s water environment, with rain over the past week leading to some recovery in river and groundwater levels.

The latest water scarcity report, published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), reveals the Rivers Annan and Nith in Dumfries and Galloway, Loch Maree in the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides have moved from Significant down to Moderate Scarcity. The majority of Argyll and Bute has also returned to Normal Conditions.

The rainfall has not been enough in other parts of Scotland though, with the Black Isle remaining in Significant for a second week, and the Forth area also rising from Alert to Moderate Scarcity.

Farmers on the Black Isle who are taking water from the environment have been required to temporarily reduce the volume of water they abstract. Those affected have been contacted by SEPA and the restrictions will be for the minimum time necessary.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “We’re seeing some respite this week in areas of Scotland. Water levels had depleted to a critical point, so the rain came just in time. However, water scarcity is by no means over, and much of Scotland is still facing challenging conditions.

“The Met Office forecast is for a dry period of weather at the end of the month. We know water levels in some areas of Scotland are unlikely to have recovered to a strong enough point to withstand that.

“That’s why we strongly urge businesses to be aware of the conditions for their area and take steps now, rather than waiting until the eleventh hour.”

As well as the weekly water scarcity reports, SEPA also provides an online ‘Drought Risk Assessment Tool’ to help businesses understand current water levels and forecasts the date on which SEPA may take action to reduce or stop abstractions.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton added: “Businesses need to play their part and be proactive in understanding current river flows and their own water requirements, as well as having a contingency plan ready if the amount they can take from rivers is reduced or stopped.

“During dry periods, they should do all they can to reduce water use and check SEPA’s water scarcity report and online tool regularly. Abstraction equipment should be checked to make sure it’s in good condition and any leaks fixed straight away.

“We are here to help and have lots of advice and guidance available on steps to take during water scarcity, and what longer-term actions can be taken to adapt to the changing climate. Working with us will reduce the likelihood of SEPA having to impose further restrictions or stopping abstractions altogether.”

SEPA continues to monitor and report weekly on river and groundwater levels.

More information, guidance and advice can be found at:

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

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Committee seeks views on how Scotland  should best achieve a circular economy

Cutting waste, increasing recycling and protecting the natural environment. These are some of the suggested benefits of a circular economy, but will a new Bill help make these changes happen? 

The Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill will introduce measures the Scottish Government believes will help Scotland to move towards a circular economy. The Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee wants to know if these proposals will work in practice and whether they are sufficient to achieve that goal. 

According to the Scottish Government, a circular economy would not only cut waste and reduce carbon emissions, but it would increase Scotland’s self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on international supply chains. 

As well as creating a circular economy strategy, the Bill also contains powers to set additional charges for single use items as well as placing new duties on households and local authorities in terms of disposal of household waste and recycling.  

Now the Committee want to hear from people across Scotland about their views of the Bill and whether it really will make a difference in reducing waste in Scotland. 

Committee Convener Edward Mountain MSP said: “The Bill before us has ambitions for creating a circular economy which will protect Scotland’s natural environment and help tackle the climate emergency. 

“But this Bill is wide ranging and will affect individuals, businesses and communities, so it is important to hear these voices to make sure the measures which are proposed work in practice. 

“Covering areas such as household waste, littering and recycling this will affect many aspects of day-to-day life. So, it is vital that as many people as possible get involved in the discussion to help strengthen our scrutiny of the detail in the Bill.”

To provide a detailed response to the Bill – Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space

To make brief and general comments – https://engage.parliament.scot/group/29745

The Committee’s call for views will be open until Sunday 20 August 2023.

TV presenter to turn up the heat at Green Home Festival

Award-winning influencer will turn up the heat on ‘fast fashion’ and urge homeowners to be more eco-friendly as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe

TV presenter and award-winning designer Anna Campbell-Jones will urge Scotland’s homeowners to make their kitchens green as well as clean in a special stage show as part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival.

The Scotland’s Home of the Year judge has been announced as the star guest at the second Green Home Festival, which is being held in Edinburgh as part of this year’s official Fringe.

Running from 14-18 August, and organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), the festival will deliver 11 free in-person and virtual shows to help consumers along the road to low-carbon living.

Anna will take centre stage on the first day of the week-long renewables jamboree in a show entitled Ingredients for a Greener Kitchen, dismissing the trend for ‘fast fashion’ and encouraging homeowners to make their cooking spaces more eco-friendly instead.

The renowned interior designer said: “I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s Green Home Festival and help raise the profile of eco-friendly living for consumers across Scotland.

“Finding greener ways of designing, decorating and renewing our homes will be vital for us all going forward and creating more low-carbon kitchens will be a key part of that.

“In particular, I feel passionately that the era of ‘fast fashion’ for interiors must come to an end. Kitchens are a significant contributor to unrecyclable landfill and I’m going to talk about alternative approaches to the concept of what we mean by ‘getting a new kitchen’.”

Anna starred in the grand finale of Scotland’s Home of the Year last Monday night (26 JUNE) and also won the interiors and design award at the inaugural Scottish Influencer Awards in Glasgow in October 2022.

She will now share a stage alongside experts from Scottish Water, plumbing body SNIPEF, electrical trade association SELECT and James Alan Construction, who will share their first-hand knowledge and advice on what to consider when planning and renovating a kitchen.

Festival co-organiser Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said: “We are delighted to welcome Anna to this year’s Green Home Festival and look forward to hearing her invaluable input and expertise on greener living.

“Like all our shows, Ingredients for a Greener Kitchen will deliver a wealth of practical advice, focusing on the vital areas that can make kitchens eco-friendly – water efficiency, electrical efficiency and sustainably sourced materials and units.”

Other topics at the Green Home Festival include green garden rooms and offices, making retrofit projects eco-friendly, the potential of microwave heating, converting churches and how the home of the future will be powered.

The event will also include a dedicated heat pump day, with two separate shows on how to reduce bills, access grants and install the technology, as well as options for hybrid heating.

Plus the experts from Built Environment – Smarter Transformation will host an in-person show on the advantages of community heat networks and an online webinar that will advise what consumers can do to reduce both their energy consumption and energy bills.

Mr Nelson added: “With all the events now confirmed, the second Green Home Festival is shaping up to be as big a success as last year’s inaugural event.

“With a strong focus on accessing funding and saving money, our experts will offer practical demonstrations of low-carbon technology that consumers can put into action as we move towards becoming a net zero nation.”

The Green Home Festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation as the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum in March 2020.

Made up of 28 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

  • Tickets for all Green Home Festival events are free and can be reserved here. The series finale of Scotland’s Home of the Year can be viewed again here.

Tackling the environmental impact of disposable vapes

Zero Waste Scotland delivers Government-commissioned review

Up to 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the last year, of which an estimated 10 per cent were littered and more than half were incorrectly disposed of, according to a new report.

The Scottish Government commissioned Zero Waste Scotland to carry out a review of the environmental impact of single use vapes and potential policy options for addressing the problems that they cause.

The review estimates that in the year ending January 2023, there were 543,000 vapers in Scotland – of which 51,000 (9%) were under 16 and 78,000 (14%) were under 18. Most under 18 e-cigarette users prefer single use vapes.

Environmental impacts highlighted by the review include the waste impact of littering; risks associated with unsafe disposal of their contents; and greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption generated in their manufacture.

Total emissions associated with disposable vapes in 2022 are estimated to have been up to 4,292 tonnes CO2e – the equivalent of around 2,100 cars on Scotland’s roads. The lithium batteries used in the most popular disposable vapes could be recharged up to 500 times if the product design allowed.

Lorna Slater, Minister for Circular Economy, Green Skills and Biodiversity said: “This report shows that single use vapes have become a big problem – for our environment, local communities and young people.

“I will take action and will engage with those affected, including young people, over the coming months, with a view to setting out a way forward in the Autumn.

“Single use vapes are an issue across the UK, so I have invited Ministers from the other UK governments to meet to discuss the findings of the report and what we can do in response.

“Those who sell single use vapes are already required to take them back for safe disposal, or contribute to the cost of recycling, but this is clearly not happening as it should. I will therefore write to the UK Minister responsible to share our findings and to ask what they will do to ensure these obligations are met.”

The report shortlists nine potential measures to address environmental impacts of single use e-cigarettes, including a ban on sales, regulations to set certain design criteria, and charges to encourage behaviour change or producer fees to offset the environmental costs, such as a levy based on recycling rates. The report assesses the potential of each option for reducing environmental impact and the benefits of multiple measures in combination.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Any form of littering is unacceptable – it damages the environment, economy, and is a blight on the areas where we live, work, and socialise.

“Single use vapes are made up of components which, unless disposed of safely and responsibly, can last on our planet for years and years. And the sight of them, discarded on our streets, is becoming far too common.

“This is why Zero Waste Scotland was happy to lead on this important report. Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority for us and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government in highlighting the huge impact that littering these items has on the environment.”

Zero Waste Scotland report

Marine protection plans sunk

Further community and industry engagement planned

Plans to deliver increased protection for Scotland’s marine environment will be revised, with a new pathway and timetable, Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan has confirmed.

Addressing the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary said proposals consulted on to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026 ‘will not be progressed’.

Instead, the Scottish Government will take more time to work with industry, communities and conservation organisations to enhance marine protection, while supporting any groups that wish to pursue community-led marine protection in their local area on a quicker timescale, such as those initiatives in Lamlash Bay on Arran and St Abbs & Eyemouth in Berwickshire.

It follows a public consultation which ran earlier in the year on the principles of HPMA policy in Scotland and attracted thousands of responses.

Ms McAllan said: “We are in the midst of a nature and climate crisis and we must be prepared to take action commensurate with the scale of that challenge.

“Failure to safeguard and improve the resilience of Scotland’s marine ecosystems to a changing climate risks the very basis on which our marine industries and coastal communities are built.

“We chose to consult as early and widely as possible on the principles of HPMAs, with no pre-determined sites. It has always been, and continues to be, this government’s plan to work cooperatively with communities to identify how and where to enhance marine protection in a way that minimises impact and maximises opportunity.

“Therefore, while we remain firmly committed to the outcome of enhanced marine protection, the proposal as consulted on will not be progressed.

“I will outline more on our next steps after the summer recess, but I hope that it is clear that I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair, and to find a way forward that ensures our seas remain a source of prosperity for the nation, especially in our remote, coastal and island communities.”

In the statement to Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary also confirmed that an ongoing programme of work to implement fisheries management measures in existing MPAs where they are yet to be introduced, and to protect some of the most vulnerable Priority Marine Features outside of MPAs, will be taken forward as a priority.

A full response to the consultation and the next steps will be published after the eight-week long summer recess.