The WWF wants a stop to the M74 extension

The country has come 16th in a league table of 148 countries using up global resources.

The World Wildlife Fund said Scotland's "ecological footprint" meant it was consuming resources at three times the rate the planet can renew them.

A spokesman called on ministers to take action in a bid to tackle the effects on wildlife and climate change.

The report found the United Arab Emirates and America were the world's biggest drain on the planet's resources.

Experts at the WWF said it was the first time Scotland's record had been compared with the rest of the world.

Global warming

They have warned that the problem is having a "dramatic" effect on wildlife and they blame the spiralling demand for energy from coal, gas and oil for global warming.

The probe found Aberdeen had the worst record in Scotland.

Ecologists have now joined forces with councils in the north east and North Lanarkshire and in an effort to make the areas greener.

WWF Scotland has called on ministers to take action, including calling a halt to plans for the M74.

The group's plan also includes:

• A 50% renewable electricity target for 2020.

• A target of 10,000 new or sustainable homes by 2012.

• The Enterprise Network to support "green jobs in a green economy".

• Develop a sustainable consumption and production strategy for Scotland.

• And invest in organic food chains for schools, hospitals and communities.

Elizabeth Leighton, of WWF Scotland, said: "Somebody else, somewhere else, is paying the price of our consumption rates in Scotland.

There are many areas where we could very easily be much more efficient with energy - it just needs political will Elizabeth Leighton WWF Scotland

"The executive should make serious and realistic commitments to reducing Scotland's ecological footprint."

She added: "There are many areas where we could very easily be much more efficient with energy and other resources - it just needs political will."

The Scottish Green Party accused executive ministers of "gross neglect and incompetence" in managing Scotland's resources.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell, the member for Mid Scotland and Fife, said the executive had failed to show leadership.

"As a starting point, they should scrap plans for the M74 Glasgow motorway extension and the Aberdeen bypass, invest more in efficient public transport and set targets for energy efficiency," he said.

Experts claimed earlier this year that global warming may create an unexpected employment surge in Scotland.

They argued it could bring more jobs in agriculture and tourism. Scientists at Stirling University said global warming will bring not just problems but opportunities.

They insisted farming could benefit from temperature rises, as marginal land becomes suitable for crops and grazing.