Our environment

The quality of the air around us is affected by pollutants released into the atmosphere. Our understanding of air pollution and its causes has improved significantly and citizens can get involved in monitoring.

The planet’s climate is changing. While these recent rapid changes can be attributed to human activities, the climate has also changed throughout geological time. Changes in Scotland’s climate and the effects on our weather will have major implications for our future way of life.

Scotland's environment supports a wide and diverse range of species, and consists of a complex mosaic of habitats which makes up our rich and varied landscape.

Scotland’s land is a valuable asset, which has evolved over billions of years and is constantly changing. Subsurface land provides us with valuable resources (minerals, ores, aggregates and fuel). On its surface we grow food and timber, build roads and houses, and much of our water filters through it. Land also stores carbon and supports a wide range of habitats and species.

Our actions have a direct impact on the environment, and our surrounding environment affects us all. Cities and towns, historic surroundings, recreation opportunities and many aspects of our health and well-being are shaped by the environment. We all have a part to play in its protection and conservation.

Scotland’s water is essential for our health and prosperity. As well as being used for drinking, water is used in industry, producing energy, and for recreational activities. Our water also supports an array of habitats and contains species of national and international importance.

The state of Scotland’s environment report describes the condition of our environment and how it is changing. It discusses the main pressures affecting the environment and outlines some of the things that are being done to look after it.