Features
Wales cuts greenhouse gas emissions by almost 25%
New figures show that Wales’s total greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by nearly a quarter (23.3%) compared to the base year (an average of annual emissions between 1990 and 1995).
The data also reveals that the country’s CO2 emissions dropped by 6.9 metric tons between 2008 and 2009, indicating ongoing, year-on-year reductions.
The Welsh Government launched a Climate Change Strategy last year, announcing that the country would aim to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 3% every year from 2011 onwards, with an overall target of cutting all Wales’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40% before 2020.
“Today’s figures show that greenhouse gas emissions in 2009 fell significantly. The last 20 years have seen dramatic changes in how we live and treat our environment, so this is welcome news,” said Environment Minister, John Griffiths. “However at the same time, we recognise that the UK economic downturn was the major factor in driving down emissions during this period – so there is certainly no room for complacency.”
For further information:
wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/climatechange/?lang=en
wales.gov.uk/?lang=en
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Wales sets course for sustainable future (27-May 2009)