Environment Outcomes Hub

Last updated: 17 January 2025

This hub signposts to ‘outcome pages’ which:

  • describe the indicators used for each outcome

  • report live information on the status and trends of indicators

  • summarise what this tells us about progress towards achieving each outcome.

Click below to access information for each outcome:

Data Interpretation

The Monitoring Framework includes nineteen high-level indicators. There are between two and five indicators for each of the six outcomes. Additional indicators may be included as the Monitoring Framework is further developed.

The indicators were selected to help tell a strategic story of progress towards each outcome. However, given the broad scope of the Environment Strategy outcomes, the indicators alone cannot provide a complete picture of progress. The indicator data should therefore be considered alongside wider sources of evidence in assessing progress towards the Environment Strategy outcomes.

Data Analysis

The Environment Strategy outcomes set out our goals for restoring nature, tackling climate change and using resources sustainably; and the benefits this will create for Scotland’s economy, society and global citizenship.

Nature: Scotland’s nature is protected and restored with flourishing biodiversity and clean and healthy air, water, seas and soils

Indicators:

  • Marine and terrestrial species

  • Air pollutant emissions

  • Freshwater condition

  • Marine environmental quality:

      1. Clean seas
      1. Beach litter
      1. Plastic litter ingested by seabirds
      1. Predicted disturbance to seafloor habitats

  • Soil health

Climate: We play our full role in tackling the global climate emergency and limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C

Indicators:

  • Greenhouse gas emissions

  • Scotland’s carbon footprint

  • Nature-based solutions to climate change:

      1. Woodland creation
      1. Woodland ecological condition
      1. Peatland restoration

Resources: We use and re-use resources wisely and have ended the throw-away culture

Indicators:

  • Total waste generated

  • Carbon footprint of Scotland’s waste

  • Scotland’s material footprint

Economy: Our thriving, sustainable economy conserves and grows our natural assets

Indicators:

  • Natural capital accounts

  • Natural capital asset index

Society: Our healthy environment supports a fairer, healthier, more inclusive society

Indicators:

  • Visits to the outdoors

  • Access to green and blue space

  • Active travel:

    • Walking

    • Cycling

Global Footprint: We are responsible global citizens with a sustainable international footprint

Indicators:

  • Global environmental impact of Scotland’s consumption

  • Percentage of Scotland’s waste managed in Scotland

  • Sustainability of fish stocks