UK greenhouse gas emissions down 8.7% in 2009

The UK’s greenhouse gas emissions were down 8.7% in 2009 compared with the previous year, but there is no place for complacency, says Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne.

According to the latest government statistics, emissions of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol fell to 566.3 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e) and CO₂, which accounts for around 84% of the total, was down 9.8% to 525.1 Mt.

The decrease was prompted by a fall in energy consumption across all sectors and an increase in the use of nuclear power instead of coal or natural gas for electricity consumption.

“Emissions were down in 2009 but so was the economy, so this is no time for back slapping,” said Huhne in a statement.

The statistics reveal reductions of greenhouse gas emissions from the industrial processes sector of 36.5% and 11.8% from the business sector. The business sector also saw a decrease in CO₂ emission of over 13%, over twice that from the residential sector.

“A low carbon approach has to be a vital part of kick starting and future proofing our economy, getting us off the oil hook and onto long term green growth,” Huhne continued.

He says that the Government is wasting no time in reforming the electricity market, setting up the Green Investment Bank and getting the Green Deal off the ground to ensure that the trend can be maintained.

For further information:
www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/climate_change/gg_emissions/uk_emissions/2009_final/2009_final.aspx

01 February 2011

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