State of the Environment Report
Why did you prepare the Report?
We use indicators to measure the health of our environment and to assess trends. Our indicators look at the quality of air, land and water, and the impacts these have on wildlife and habitats. Our choice of lifestyle and the development planned for the Perth & Kinross will have an impact on water resources, waste, road traffic and energy use within the area. Our prosperity and quality of life depends on a healthy environment.
We will update these indicators as new data becomes available, so check back regularly for current information on the state of Perth & Kinross' environment. It will be a useful resource, to be used in conjunction with the Perth & Kinross Environmental Indicators Report.
Who prepared the State of the Environment Report?
We commissioned Macaulay Research Consultancy Services to prepare a report on the state of the Perth & Kinross environment. The report provides information on the different aspects of our natural and built environment, using the most recent data (2007) available from a variety of sources to provide a picture of its overall condition or state.
What is the state of the environment like?
On the positive side, the Perth & Kinross environment is generally of good quality. In most areas, air quality standards are met and the state of our rivers and lochs is generally good. Similarly, our landscapes of mountains, lochs and straths provide the backdrop for a generally high quality of life for our residents and the basis of a successful tourism industry and vibrant economy.
However, there are some problems, including:
- localised air pollution
- risks to water quality from diffuse pollution
- potential ecological damage from nutrient enrichment
- loss of biodiversity
There are also gaps in our knowledge about aspects of the environment including, for example soil quality, and the relationships between the environment and human health. We hope to fill these gaps in our knowledge as data becomes available and the Report is reviewed.
