A "drastic reduction" in our energy use is being urged

To coincide with Energy Efficiency Week, a new report calls for drastic action and warns consumers about the consequences of doing nothing.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) said that the more carbon dioxide is pumped into the atmosphere, the more the planet is threatened by global warming.

It recommends home insulation and turning thermostats down by one degree.

This summer's storms, which caused landslides and destroyed crops, may become more common as the world gets warmer.

Without a drastic reduction in our energy use, emissions of carbon dioxide could have disastrous results for Scotland Mike Thornton EST Scotland

EST, funded by the government and private sector, has published advice on what people can do to cut greenhouse gases.

The trust says that more than a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions come from energy use at home and that simple measures could make a big difference.

Mike Thornton, Head of EST Scotland, said: "The report, Forecasting the Future, paints a disturbing picture of what could happen to the environment if we don't act today.

"Without a drastic reduction in our energy use, emissions of carbon dioxide - one of the leading contributors to climate change - could have disastrous results for Scotland.

"It's imperative that Scottish households become more aware of the energy we use in our homes and act now to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions.

'Crucial issue'

"This can be as simple as turning thermostats down by one degree, replacing ordinary light bulbs with low energy ones or even walking to the shops instead of taking the car."

The Scottish Green Party challenged the other political parties to demonstrate their commitment to energy efficiency.

Shiona Baird MSP said: "It's encouraging that a number of MSPs from various parties are backing Energy Efficiency Week.

"However, paying lip service to such a crucial issue for one week a year whilst backing ludicrous projects such as the Glasgow M74 extension and Aberdeen's Western Peripheral Route the other 51 weeks smacks of hypocrisy.