A summary report card on the state and trend assessments of the 2014 state of environment report. Independent expert assessments of current state and future trends are shown as a series of spectrum diagrams.
The assessments are set out in the form of a scorecard below.
| State of the environment 2014 | On the whole, Scotland’s environment is of good quality | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Air quality in urban areas has improved | ||
| Air quality |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / improving |
Our understanding of the sources and impacts of air pollution has improved over the years and applying it has led to better air quality in some areas. However, there are still areas in Scotland where poor air quality affects human health and the environment. Datasets likely to be of interest Air Quality in Scotland - datasets |
| Water | Freshwaters and seas are generally in good condition | ||
| Coastal waters |  |
State: Good Trend: Stable / declining |
Almost all (97%) of Scotland’s coastal waters are in good or high condition, but there are local impacts from commercial fishing, aquaculture and diffuse pollution. Growth in industries such as aquaculture and renewable energy may increase pressure on coastal waters. Datasets likely to be of interest SEPA - Water environment hub |
| Estuaries |  |
State: Good Trend: Improving |
Scottish estuaries are important resources for wildlife and humans, and 85% are in good or high environmental condition. However, they remain under pressure from human activity, particularly from nutrient enrichment and the damaging impacts of climate change. Datasets likely to be of interest SEPA - Water environment hub |
| Freshwater lochs |  |
State: Good Trend: Stable / improving |
Scotland’s lochs are an important part of our landscape and provide water for drinking and power generation as well as space for recreation. They are generally in good condition. Datasets likely to be of interest SEPA - Water environment hub |
| Rivers & canals |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / improving |
Scotland’s river quality has improved in recent decades. Almost half of our rivers are now of good or better quality. Plans are in place to improve the remaining poorer-quality rivers. Datasets likely to be of interest SEPA - Water environment hub |
| Rivers & lochs |  |
State: Good Trend: Stable / improving |
Scotland’s freshwaters provide a range of habitats for plants and animals. Overall, freshwater habitats and species are in good condition. However, while some individual habitats and species are improving, others are still under pressure. Datasets likely to be of interest Scotland's Environment - Protected nature sites |
| Land |
Scotland’s highly diverse landforms, rocks and soils are the foundation of our landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage |
||
| Crops & livestock |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / declining |
Scotland produces a range of crops and livestock. Our agricultural industry provides the basic ingredients for our food and drink industry, and is important for our health, environment and economy – particularly in our rural communities. Datasets likely to be of interest Scottish Government - Agriculture, fisheries and rural publications |
| Farmland |  |
State: Moderate Trend:Stable / declining |
Scotland’s farmland is highly varied and contains a wide range of habitats for wildlife. However, populations of some birds and insects are in decline. Intensive land management is the main challenge to farmland wildlife. Datasets likely to be of interest Scottish Government - Agriculture, fisheries and rural publications |
| Fossil fuels & minerals |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable |
Scotland has a wide range of geological resources that make a major contribution to the economy. They are used in the energy, construction and manufacturing industries and need to be carefully managed to ensure they are available for future generations. Datasets likely to be of interest |
| Mountains & uplands |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / declining |
Scotland’s uplands contain our wildest places and some of our rarest plants and animals. The condition of many upland habitats is beginning to improve as action is taken to protect and manage them. Datasets likely to be of interest Scotland’s Environment - Protected nature sites |
| Rocks & landforms |  |
State: Good Trend: Stable / declining |
Scotland’s rocks and landforms provide a range of benefits and help us to understand how the Earth has evolved. Our protected Earth science features are almost all in good condition, but we know little about the state of rocks and landforms outside protected sites. Datasets likely to be of interest |
| Soils |  |
State: Good Trend: Not assessed |
Scotland’s soils are diverse and rich in carbon; they are a vital natural resource providing a range of essential benefits and need to be protected. We have good information about some soil properties in some parts of the country. However, there is a lack of trend data. Datasets likely to be of interest Scotland’s Soils - National soils inventory for Scotland |
| Wetlands |  |
State: Poor Trend: Stable / declining |
Scotland’s wetlands are home to a wide range of plants and animals. They also provide important environmental functions such as storing carbon and sustaining the supply of clean water. |
| Woodlands & forests |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / declining |
Scotland’s woodlands and forests support a wide range of important plants and animals. For wildlife, our woodlands are in a moderately good condition now and are likely to improve in the future. Datasets likely to be of interest NatureScot - Breeding birds |
| People & the environment | Almost 70% of Scotland’s people live in urban areas | ||
| Cities, towns and greenspaces |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / improving |
Most people in Scotland live in its towns, cities and city regions. A good-quality urban environment is a substantial factor in people’s health and well-being. Datasets likely to be of interest Scottish Government - Scotland’s outdoors national indicator |
| Energy |  |
State: Poor Trend: Improving |
Energy in Scotland is changing and will continue to do so as we strive towards a low carbon future. Datasets likely to be of interest |
| Historic environment |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable |
Scotland’s historic environment includes thousands of historic buildings and monuments, many of which are unique and irreplaceable. They attract millions of visitors every year and generate income and jobs. Datasets likely to be of interest |
| Waste |  |
State: Moderate Trend: Stable / improving |
Waste is produced by households and businesses. Progress is being made to reduce waste and increase recycling in Scotland, providing environmental and economic benefits. Datasets likely to be of interest SEPA - Waste data reporting |
| Climate | Scotland generally has cool summers, mild winters and rain falls throughout the year. Over the last century it has become warmer, with drier summers, wetter winters and more frequent heavy rainfall. | ||
| Climate | State: Good Trend: Rapidly changing |
Over the last 100 years it has become warmer, while altered precipitation patterns have led to drier summers, wetter winters and more frequent heavy rainfall. Changes in our climate over the next few decades are unavoidable because of the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. When viewed over long-term averages, we expect the UK to experience more milder wetter winters and more hotter drier summers in the future. These changes in climate and their effect on our weather will have major implications for our way of life. Datasets likely to be of interest Met Office - Datasets |
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This page was added on 03 Oct 2016
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Environment Strategy Monitoring Framework
2014 state of the environment report
