UK on track to double Kyoto target, according to Department of Energy and Climate Change

8 June 2009

The UK remains on track to almost double its greenhouse gas reduction obligations under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, according to a new report released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The report shows that UK greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be about 23 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010 – well in excess of the target of 12.5 per cent set out under the Kyoto agreement.

The report highlights the importance of international agreements in reducing carbon emissions, and comes as the world prepares to gather in Copenhagen at the end of this year to reach an historic deal on climate change action. It also comes as officials meet at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn this week, to begin negotiations for the deal, which will replace the current Kyoto agreement.

Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock said, ‘Our latest report to the UN shows what can be achieved when Government, communities and business work together to reduce emissions. We already have significant achievements under our belt, but we know there is more to be done – we must continue to work urgently to reduce our emissions further and faster.

‘But our progress report tells those who claim there is no alternative to a high-carbon society: there is an alternative. We’re creating an alternative.

‘We know that individual actions account for more than 40 per cent of emissions, so I would urge people around the country to use World Environment Day as a chance to assess their own impact on the environment, and take steps to reduce their individual carbon footprint,’ she added.

The report to the UN outlines the policies and programmes in place which are helping the UK nearly double its emissions reductions targets, as well as future policies which help continue to reduce emissions in the long-term. These include the Climate Change Act, which puts the UK on the path to an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050; a comprehensive home energy efficiency programme; ambitious plans for more renewables, nuclear, and low-carbon fossil fuels; and championing of emissions targets for road vehicles, aviation and industry in Europe.

Copyright © 2009 NewNet

Tags: emissions, Kyoto, policy

This story was published on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 11:59 am and is filed under Europe, energy efficiency, knowledge, policy. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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